India-Japan Veer Guardian exercise showcases Tejas capabilities and bilateral defence ties

Hindustan Times - India · 22 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Defence and security Mains · GS2 International relations High relevance

Japan's Air Chief flew India's indigenous Tejas fighter during the Veer Guardian exercise, marking the first deployment of Japanese fighters to India and strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

Key points

Veer Guardian is the second bilateral air exercise between India and Japan, conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur, showcasing growing defence interoperability between the two nations.

Tejas, India's indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, was piloted by Japan's Air Chief General Takehiro Morita, who praised it as a symbol of India's technological innovation and Make in India initiative.

This marks the first deployment of Japanese fighter aircraft (F-2A) to Indian soil, following the historic first visit of Indian fighters to Japan three years ago.

[GS3-Security] The exercise enhances operational compatibility between IAF and JASDF, crucial for potential joint operations in the Indo-Pacific region against common security challenges.

Make in India gets strategic validation as foreign military leaders operate indigenous defence platforms, potentially boosting export prospects for Tejas.

[GS2-International Relations] The exercise aligns with India's Act East Policy and Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision, countering Chinese assertiveness in the region.

General Morita highlighted the exercise's role in building trust and friendship between the two air forces, recalling the first bilateral exercise Shinyuu Maitri in 2018.

The IAF deployed Su-30 MKI and Rafale alongside Tejas, while JASDF participated with F-2A fighters, demonstrating advanced capabilities on both sides.

Way Forward: India should institutionalize regular military exchanges with Japan, explore joint development of defence technologies, and expand the scope of bilateral exercises to include maritime security dimensions.

Key terms

Veer Guardian

Bilateral air exercise between Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), first held in 2023. Relevant for UPSC as it demonstrates India-Japan strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific, part of broader security cooperation including Malabar naval exercises and 2+2 ministerial dialogues.

Act East Policy

India's upgraded foreign policy approach towards Southeast Asia and East Asia, emphasizing economic and strategic ties. For UPSC, it's crucial as it connects to India's Indo-Pacific strategy, counterbalancing China's influence, and building partnerships with Japan, Vietnam, and ASEAN nations.

Make in India

Government initiative launched in 2014 to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence. In defence context, it's vital for UPSC as it aims to achieve 70% indigenization in defence procurement by 2027, with projects like Tejas, INS Vikrant, and Arjun tanks as success stories.

Tejas

India's indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) by HAL, representing the country's aerospace capabilities. For UPSC, it's significant as a flagship Make in India defence project, with variants like Tejas Mk1A enhancing IAF's fleet modernization and potential exports boosting India's defence diplomacy.