Zillar Barta Desk, Jodhpur : Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew India's indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas during the ongoing India-Japan bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026 in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Following the sortie, General Morita praised the Tejas and described it as a symbol of India's technological innovation, highlighting the progress made by India in indigenous aerospace and defence technology.
The joint sortie also featured Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, with both air chiefs taking part in Tejas sorties as part of the exercise. Veer Guardian-2026 is being conducted from September 9 to 22 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, with the Indian Air Force participating with Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter aircraft, while Japan has deployed its F-2A fighters.
The exercise includes advanced operational missions, mission-planning activities, professional exchanges and discussions related to engineering and aerospace safety. According to India's Ministry of Defence, the exercise is aimed at strengthening operational cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces.
The participation of Japan's air chief in a Tejas sortie comes amid expanding defence cooperation between India and Japan. Japanese F-2 fighter aircraft are also making their maiden visit to India for the exercise, providing an opportunity for the two air forces to train together and exchange operational experience.
The event has drawn attention to India's indigenous fighter-aircraft programme while also highlighting the growing strategic and defence partnership between New Delhi and Tokyo.
