The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) have commenced the second edition of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The bilateral air exercise is being conducted from 9 to 22 September 2026. The IAF is participating with LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter aircraft, while Japan has deployed its F-2A fighter aircraft. The exercise focuses on advanced operational missions, tactical proficiency, interoperability and operational coordination between the two air forces. A major highlight of this edition is that Japanese fighter aircraft are operating from an Indian air base for the first time in this bilateral exercise. The Japanese contingent arrived in Jodhpur with two C-2 transport aircraft, carrying personnel and equipment. The exercise also includes mission-planning conferences, professional and subject-matter exchanges, engineering interactions and aerospace-safety discussions. These activities are intended to improve mutual understanding of operational procedures and strengthen cooperation between the two air forces.