Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas during the Veer Guardian-2026 exercise, with Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh describing the flight as a reflection of Japan’s confidence in the Indian fighter.
Speaking after the sortie, Singh said Morita’s decision to fly the aircraft demonstrated the level of faith and trust placed in India’s homegrown fighter.
Singh also said the experience could help expand cooperation between the two air forces, particularly through joint flight-training and fighter-aircraft exchange programmes.
IAF Chief Highlights Growing India-Japan Defence Partnership
Describing Veer Guardian-2026 as more than a conventional military exercise, Singh said the engagement would create further opportunities for both air forces to learn from each other.
He said the partnership between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has continued to develop through successive engagements and could lead to greater interoperability, mutual learning and closer ties between personnel from both sides.
Singh expressed confidence that continued cooperation would open new areas of engagement between the two air forces.
Singh Says Retirement Will Not Change IAF-JASDF Ties
Singh also addressed his upcoming retirement as IAF chief, saying he is expected to leave the post in about a month.
He emphasised that the Indian Air Force is an institution larger than any individual and said his retirement would not affect the relationship between the two air forces.
Singh added that his successors would continue working closely with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and take the existing partnership forward.
The IAF chief also thanked General Morita for attending Veer Guardian-2026 as a distinguished visitor. He said Morita’s presence had raised the profile of the exercise and expressed hope that Japanese personnel would return with positive memories of the engagement.
IAF and JASDF Take Part With Fighter Aircraft
The Indian Air Force is participating in Veer Guardian-2026 with its LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter aircraft.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is taking part in the exercise with its F-2A fighter aircraft.
The exercise provides an opportunity for the two air forces to conduct joint activities and strengthen cooperation through operational engagement and professional interaction.