Jodhpur, September 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita described his sortie in India’s indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas as a valuable experience and a powerful symbol of trust, confidence and friendship between India and Japan.
Morita made the remarks during the second edition of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and JASDF, Exercise Veer Guardian-2026, being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and General Morita flew together in Tejas, highlighting the growing operational and defence cooperation between the two countries.
“I will remember it not only as a truly valuable experience, but also as a powerful symbol of trust, confidence, and friendship,” Morita said during a joint press interaction.
He said the partnership between the two air forces had moved beyond conducting joint exercises to developing tactical capabilities through increasingly sophisticated training.
“Our partnership has progressed beyond simply conducting exercises together to refine our tactical capabilities at a practical level. Through increasingly sophisticated training, our two air forces have advanced our cooperation,” he said.
Morita added that the efforts were strengthening the two countries’ ability to contribute to peace and stability while helping reinforce regional deterrence. He said India and Japan shared a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
He also said the growing sophistication of bilateral exercises reflected the maturity of the partnership and the two countries’ shared commitment to regional peace and stability.
The cooperation includes exercises and exchanges at various levels, ranging from senior leadership to subject matter experts, with possible cooperation in the space domain also being explored.
Welcoming Morita and his contingent to India, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh described the partnership between the two air forces as one based on mutual respect, professional trust and a shared commitment to peace and stability.
“India and Japan share a vision of a free, open and rule-based Indo-Pacific,” the IAF Chief said.
Singh said the synergy between the two air forces was akin to Kizuna, the Japanese concept referring to enduring bonds between people and relationships built on mutual trust and support.
He described the bond as one that grows stronger through shared experiences, mutual respect and collaboration.
Referring to Morita’s sortie in the Tejas formation, Singh said the development showed the growing confidence in India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities.
“I will say that the defence aviation industry and R&D are now set to hit much higher heights,” he said, adding that the sortie was a clear example of the faith and trust placed in the homegrown Indian aircraft.
FOLLOW NOW
