India, Japan begin ‘Veer Guardian’ air exercise in Jodhpur

• Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) began bilateral air exercise — Veer Guardian — at Air Force Station Jodhpur on September 9.

• During the two week exercise, participating air warriors will undertake advanced operational missions and engage in extensive professional interactions. 

• The exercise integrates mission planning conferences, subject matter expert exchanges, and interaction between personnel on engineering and aspects of aerospace safety, fostering deep operational synergy between the two Air Forces.

• The IAF participates with a diverse mix of frontline combat aircraft including indigenous LCA Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale jets. 

• JASDF participates with its F-2A fighter aircraft.

Other military exercises with Japan:

• Dharma Guardian - Army exercise

• Shinyuu Maitri - Air exercise

• JIMEX - Naval exercise.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)