Japanese airmen taking part in the India-Japan bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 have praised the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its friendly and approachable personnel, while also sharing their experiences of training, yoga and Indian cuisine.
The joint exercise is being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur and is scheduled to continue until September 22. The Japanese contingent arrived in India with F-2 fighter aircraft and around 110 members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). The exercise includes joint air defence drills aimed at improving operational coordination and interoperability between the two air forces.
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Members of the Japanese contingent from Tsuiki Air Base spoke about their experience during the exercise in an interview shared by the JASDF’s Tsuiki Air Base account on X.
Asked about their training in India, the Japanese airmen said they could feel their skills improving steadily. They also highlighted the opportunity to train alongside fighter aircraft that are not operated by the JASDF.
According to the personnel, working directly with different aircraft has helped them understand their characteristics and operational capabilities. They also praised their Indian counterparts for being approachable and said the two sides had been able to communicate closely during the training.
The Japanese personnel said they intended to maintain their focus until the exercise concludes.
The contingent also spoke about experiences outside the cockpit. Yoga emerged as one of the most memorable aspects of their stay in India. One of the Japanese airmen said it was his first opportunity to practise yoga in its country of origin, although he admitted that he struggled with some of the basic poses because of his lack of flexibility.
Indian food also received an enthusiastic response. When asked whether Indian curry was as good as expected, the Japanese airmen gave an emphatic response, saying the authentic version was different and “super delicious”.
The exercise also carries significance for the broader defence relationship between India and Japan. Japanese Defence Minister Shinjirō Koizumi said the deployment marked the first visit of JASDF fighter aircraft to India. He noted that the development followed the IAF’s first fighter aircraft visit to Japan three years ago, completing a reciprocal exchange between the two air forces.
Koizumi had earlier described the exercise as an important initiative reflecting the deepening of defence cooperation between the two countries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also described the maiden visit of JASDF fighter aircraft to India as a significant milestone for the India-Japan defence partnership. He said the exchange reflected growing trust and a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The IAF said the exercise was intended to strengthen interoperability, sharpen operational skills and further deepen defence cooperation between India and Japan.
With Veer Guardian 2026 continuing in Jodhpur, the exercise is providing both air forces an opportunity to train together, exchange operational experience and improve their ability to coordinate during complex aerial operations.
