India and Japan launch joint air combat drills in Jodhpur to boost interoperability
Two Japanese JASDF C-2 transport aircraft arrived at Air Force Station Jodhpur, marking the start of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 between the Indian Air Force and Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force.
Two Japanese Air Self-Defense Force C-2 transport aircraft touched down at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Saturday, signalling the launch of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026. The joint exercise, running from 9 September to 22 September, will see the Indian Air Force and Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force conduct air-combat manoeuvring drills aimed at improving tactical skills and interoperability. Indian Air Force officials said the training reinforces the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The manoeuvres come after Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s August visit to India, where he met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and both agreed to expand cooperation in maritime security and uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. The ministers highlighted the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership as a pillar for regional peace and stability.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report the same joint exercise and its timing, but centrist coverage highlights the friendship and strategic partnership, while right-leaning coverage stresses the milestone of Japanese fighter jets operating in India and the security testing aspect.
CENTER
Centrist coverage frames the drills as a boost to interoperability that reinforces enduring friendship and a free, open Indo-Pacific partnership.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the drills as a milestone deployment of Japanese fighter jets that tests capabilities and advances broader Indo-Pacific security goals.
The right emphasises
- first deployment of Japanese fighter jets on Indian soil
- deepening practical interoperability through shared mission planning and intelligence
- broader Indo-Pacific security goals
