Colombo, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday welcomed the maiden visit of a Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) fighter aircraft to India, describing it as a “significant milestone” in the growing defence partnership between the two countries.
The Japanese fighter aircraft arrived in India to participate in Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, being conducted jointly by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and JASDF at Jodhpur from September 9 to 22.
“A significant milestone for India-Japan defence partnership! The maiden visit of the JASDF fighter aircraft to India reflects our growing trust and shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” Singh said in a post on X.
He added that following productive discussions with his Japanese counterpart in New Delhi last month, exchanges such as Exercise Veer Guardian would further strengthen operational synergy between the two countries.
Singh was responding to a post by Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who noted that the visit came three years after Indian fighter aircraft participated in an exercise in Japan, marking the realisation of reciprocal fighter aircraft visits.
Koizumi said such training was an important initiative symbolising the deepening of Japan-India defence cooperation and expressed encouragement over the steady expansion of bilateral ties through exchanges and joint training involving frontline units.
The JASDF has deployed an F-2 fighter aircraft for the exercise, while the IAF is participating with several frontline combat platforms, including indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale.
During the 14-day exercise, personnel from both air forces will undertake advanced operational missions and professional exchanges. The programme includes mission-planning conferences, subject matter expert interactions and exchanges involving engineering and aerospace safety.
The Ministry of Defence said the exercise would enhance tactical proficiency and aerospace operational synergy while further strengthening the longstanding friendship and strategic cooperation between India and Japan.
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