Indian and Japanese Air Leaders Demonstrate Growing Defense Ties

In a milestone event on Sunday, the chiefs of the Indian Air Force and Japan’s Air Self‑Defense Force shared the cockpit of India’s indigenous Tejas fighter. General Takeshi Morita and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh launched from Jodhpur, highlighting an unprecedented level of military cooperation.

The flight forms part of the larger “Veer Guardian 2026” exercise, where realistic combat simulations are being conducted. Indian aircraft such as the Tejas, Sukhoi‑30 MKI and Rafale have been paired with Japan’s F‑2A in coordinated strike missions.

The joint sortie signals robust confidence in each other’s operational doctrines and a commitment to enhancing interoperability.