Japanese Fighter Jets Operate From Indian Soil for First Time, Marking Major Milestone in India-Japan Defence Ties
The deployment of Japanese fighter aircraft to India for the first time marks a significant milestone in defence cooperation between the two countries, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said on Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Singh highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan during the ongoing bilateral air exercise, Veer Guardian 2026, being held from September 9 to 22.
The 14-day exercise involves frontline Indian Air Force aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale, alongside Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2A fighter jets.
Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita said the deployment had taken cooperation beyond joint exercises, demonstrating the ability to deploy air assets across the Indo-Pacific region.
As part of the exercise, Morita flew in a Tejas fighter jet alongside an Indian pilot, while Air Chief Marshal Singh undertook a solo sortie in another Tejas. The two air chiefs also exchanged badges as a gesture of mutual respect and partnership.
Singh said joint exercises allow both air forces to learn from each other, improve operational capabilities and develop a deeper understanding of their respective practices. He added that the partnership was built on mutual respect, professional trust and a shared commitment to peace and stability.
Morita described the Tejas as a symbol of India’s technological innovation and the Make in India initiative. He said flying the indigenous fighter gave him an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of military personnel and industry experts involved in its development.
The exercise includes advanced operational missions and professional exchanges, covering areas such as mission planning, engineering and aerospace safety.
On India’s indigenous fighter programme, Singh said a substantial number of Tejas aircraft had been ordered, although some deliveries had been affected by global supply-chain challenges. He also expressed confidence that the development of the Tejas Mk-2, or Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, would take India’s defence aviation industry and research and development to greater heights.
