Rajnath Singh Hails Japanese Fighter Jet’s Maiden India Visit As Defence Milestone

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has described the maiden visit of Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) fighter aircraft to India 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 with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Singh said exchanges such as Exercise Veer Guardian would further strengthen operational synergy and mutual trust between India and Japan. In a post on X, he noted that the first visit of JASDF fighter aircraft to India reflected the two countries’ shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. He also referred to his discussions with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in New Delhi last month.

Koizumi had also highlighted the importance of the fighter aircraft exchange between the two countries. He noted that the JASDF’s first fighter aircraft visit to India, three years after Indian fighter aircraft visited Japan, marked the realisation of reciprocal visits by the two air forces. He added that the training exercise was discussed during his meeting with Singh and was recognised as an important initiative representing the deepening of Japan-India defence cooperation.

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Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 is being held at Jodhpur from September 9 to 22, bringing together the Indian Air Force and JASDF. The Japanese contingent has deployed the F-2 fighter aircraft for the exercise, while the IAF is participating with frontline combat aircraft, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale.

The 14-day exercise includes advanced operational missions as well as professional interactions between personnel from the two air forces. The programme covers mission planning conferences, subject matter expert exchanges and discussions involving engineering and aerospace safety. These activities are aimed at improving operational coordination and strengthening professional ties between the participating forces.

The Ministry of Defence said Exercise Veer Guardian-26 reflects the deepening strategic partnership between India and Japan by enhancing tactical proficiency and aerospace operational synergy. The exercise also reaffirms the longstanding ties of friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries, while providing an opportunity for their frontline units to build greater familiarity through joint training.

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