Japanese fighters operate from Indian soil in landmark defence milestone

Japanese F-2A fighter jets are operating from Air Force Station Jodhpur as part of the Veer Guardian-2026 bilateral exercise, which runs through September 22. The deployment represents a watershed moment in India-Japan defence relations, according to Indian Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, who described it as a major milestone during remarks on Sunday.

The exercise brings together India's frontline aircraft, including the indigenously-developed Tejas, the Russian-origin Su-30MKI, and the French Rafale, alongside Japan's F-2A fighters. The joint operations underscore deepening military interoperability between the two nations and their shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.

General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, emphasised that the deployment transcends routine exercises, demonstrating the capacity to project air power across the region. "This deployment shows that our defence cooperation has moved beyond conducting exercises," Morita said, highlighting the operational significance of the Japanese presence on Indian soil.

In a reciprocal show of solidarity, the two air force chiefs participated in familiarisation sorties. Morita flew in a Tejas jet with an Indian pilot, while Air Chief Marshal Singh flew solo in the same aircraft. These sorties underscore the trust and collaborative spirit underpinning the bilateral military relationship.