Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Sunday said the sortie flown by Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas reflects the faith and trust in India’s homegrown fighter aircraft.
Addressing a joint statement at Air Force Station Jodhpur during the ongoing India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian 2026, Air Chief Marshal Singh said the sortie could pave the way for greater cooperation, including exchange programmes in fighter aircraft training.
He said the bilateral exercise was more than just a military exercise and represented another step forward in the growing partnership between the two air forces.
The IAF Chief said the engagement would provide opportunities for mutual learning, greater interoperability and deeper professional ties between Indian and Japanese air warriors.
He added that the partnership between the two air forces would continue to expand and open new avenues for cooperation.
Earlier in the day, Air Chief Marshal Singh and General Morita took off from Air Force Station Jodhpur in Tejas aircraft during the exercise.
Air Chief Marshal Singh also said that his retirement from the post of IAF Chief, expected in about a month, would not affect the longstanding relationship between the two air forces.
He said the Indian Air Force is an institution larger than any individual and expressed confidence that his successors would continue to strengthen ties with the Koku-Jieitai, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force.
The IAF Chief also thanked General Morita for participating in the exercise as a distinguished visitor, saying his presence had elevated the level of the exercise.
Veer Guardian 2026 is aimed at enhancing operational cooperation and interoperability between the Indian and Japanese air forces.
The Indian Air Force is participating in the exercise with its indigenous LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter aircraft, while the JASDF is participating with F-2A fighter aircraft.
-IANS
