India, Japan Air Chiefs Fly in Tejas Formation

New Delhi: Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew together in a Tejas formation on Sunday, underscoring growing operational cooperation between the two air forces amid expanding India-Japan defence ties.

The sortie took place during the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, where Japanese fighter aircraft are operating from Indian soil for the first time — a development Air Chief Marshal Singh described as a major milestone in defence cooperation between the two countries.

General Morita flew in a Tejas trainer with an IAF pilot, while Air Chief Marshal Singh flew another Tejas and led the formation.

The exercise, being held from September 9 to 22, involves frontline Indian Air Force aircraft, including the indigenous Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale, along with F-2A fighters of the JASDF.

General Morita said the deployment had taken defence cooperation beyond merely conducting joint exercises and demonstrated the ability to deploy air assets across the Indo-Pacific.

“The operation of Japanese fighters from Indian soil for the first time is a major milestone in the history of our relationship and partnership,” Air Chief Marshal Singh told a press conference after the sortie.

He said the exercise reflected the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries, built on mutual respect, professional trust and a shared commitment to peace and stability.

“When we conduct exercises together, we learn from each other. We fly and train together, and both sides improve,” he said.

Such exercises provided opportunities to understand each other's operational practices and enhance capabilities, he added.

General Morita said advanced training would improve mutual understanding, strengthen trust and promote sustained practical cooperation between the two countries.

He described the Tejas as a symbol of India's technological innovation and the Make in India initiative. During the flight, he said he reflected on the contributions of those in the military and industry who had helped develop the aircraft.

“I will remember it not only as an invaluable experience but also as a powerful symbol of the trust, confidence and partnership built between our two air services over many years,” he said.

During the 14-day exercise, the two sides are undertaking advanced operational missions and professional exchanges, along with discussions on mission planning, engineering and aerospace safety.

Referring to India's indigenous fighter programme, Air Chief Marshal Singh said a large number of Tejas aircraft had been ordered, though global supply-chain problems had affected some deliveries.

He said the development of the Tejas Mk-2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft would take India's defence aviation industry and research capabilities to “much greater heights”.