Joint Fighter Training Exercise 'Veer Guardian' Held by Japan and India at Hyakuri Air Base

India and Japan are set to hold their first joint fighter training air exercise to promote air defense and cooperation between the two countries. The exercise will take place at Hyakuri Air Base in Ibaraki Prefecture from January 12-26, 2023.

"Veer Guardian 2023" marks the first time the two countries have held bilateral fighter training exercises. Both Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) fighter aircraft will take part.

*Japan India joint fighter training "Veer Guardian" exercise participants stand for the welcoming ceremony at Hyakuri Air Base. (©Sankei by Ataru Haruna)*

A Long Time Planning the Joint Fighter Training

The Indian contingent participating in the air exercise includes four Sukhoi-30 MKI, two C-17 transport planes and one IL-78 aircraft. Meanwhile, the JASDF will join with four F2s from Hyakuri Air Base and four F15s from Komatsu Air Base (Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture)

India and Japan agreed to step up bilateral defense cooperation and engage in more military exercises during the second 2+2 Foreign and Defense Ministerial meeting held in Tokyo in September 2022. Enhancing deterrence power for both parties, the Veer Guardian 2023 exercise follows that agreement.

*One of the Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter pilots who flew to Japan for the first time is seen on the afternoon of the 10th at the ASDF Hyakuri Base in Ibaraki Prefecture (©Sankei by Ataru Haruna)*

Originally the two parties reached an agreement to hold exercises at their bilateral meetings in November 2019. The plan was postponed, however, due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic a few months later.

JASDF and India Air Force to Take Part in Fighter Aircraft Joint Training

joint fighter training — Indian and Japanese commanders shake hands in front of Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter jets, which flew to Japan for the first time on January 10, 2023. JASDF Hyakuri Base in Ibaraki Prefecture (©Sankei by Haruna Ataru)

Greeting the Visiting Indian Air Force

Ambassador Designate Sibi George, accompanied by senior officers of the Embassy of India in Japan, visited Hyakuri air base on January 10. With Japanese officials, they welcomed the arriving contingent from India on its arrival.

Commenting on the joint training exercises, the Embassy of India public relations office emphasized: "Exercise Veer Guardian will fortify the long standing bond of friendship and enhance the avenues of defense cooperation between the two Air Forces."

*An Indian Air Force Sukhoi SU-30 lands at Hyakuri Air Base in Japan for the first time on January 10. (©Sankei by Ataru Haruna)*

The inaugural fighter aircraft exercise includes the conduct of various aerial combat drills between the two Air Forces. They will undertake multi-domain air combat missions in a complex environment.