Japan to deploy fighter jets to India for 1st time for joint exercise

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan is set to send its fighter jets to India for the first time ever, as the two nations prepare to conduct a joint air exercise in September, the Air Self-Defense Force announced on Tuesday. Three F-2A aircraft from Japan will join the Indian Air Force in the Veer Guardian 26 exercise, taking place from September 9th to the 21st near an airbase in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

This collaboration aims to strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the two countries, stated Takehiro Morita, chief of staff of the ASDF, during a press conference. Approximately 110 personnel from the 8th Air Wing based at Tsuiki Air Base in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, will participate in this joint exercise.

In a significant diplomatic move earlier this month, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi met with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh to discuss security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. Both ministers agreed to enhance cooperation through joint military exercises. In January 2023, Japan and India conducted a joint air exercise in Japan, with fighter jets from both countries participating.