India and Japan complete 14-day Veer Guardian air exercise
The second bilateral air exercise at Jodhpur combined fighter operations with maintenance, engineering and safety exchanges.
The Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force concluded Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur on 22 September after 14 days of joint training.
India deployed Su-30 MKI, Rafale and Tejas aircraft, while Japan used the F-2A. Training included within-visual-range combat and coordinated multi-aircraft missions, supported by exchanges on planning, engineering, maintenance and aerospace safety.
Why it matters
Repeated bilateral training can improve procedural familiarity, technical coordination and the ability of two air forces to operate together under demanding conditions.
SCULTRA point of view
The completion update adds evidence of the platforms and training areas used. Longer-term value should be assessed through recurring exercises, documented lessons, logistics compatibility and changes in operational practice.
Limitations
The official release gives no independent readiness assessment, sortie count, exercise score, cost, after-action findings or measurable interoperability baseline.
Source: Press Information Bureau / Ministry of Defence, 22 September 2026.