India and Japan are scheduled to conduct a joint air exercise to enhance air defense cooperation between the two countries. The exercise, named “Veer Guardian-2023,” will take place at Hyakuri Air Base in Japan from January 12 to 26, involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF).
The Indian contingent for the air exercise will consist of four Su-30 MKI, two C-17, and one IL-78 aircraft, while the JASDF will participate with four F-2 and four F-15 aircraft, as announced by the IAF.
The IAF will bring four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 Globemasters, and an IL-78 tanker to the exercise.
The joint exercise will include various aerial combat drills between the two air forces, focusing on multi-domain air combat missions in a complex environment to exchange best practices.
Experts from both sides will also engage in discussions to share operational expertise. The exercise aims to strengthen the friendship and defense cooperation between the two air forces.
During a meeting in Tokyo on September 8 last year, India and Japan agreed to enhance bilateral defense cooperation, including conducting joint military exercises. The upcoming joint air exercise reflects the growing security cooperation between the two countries.
India and Japan have previously conducted joint exercises, including the Japan India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) in the Bay of Bengal and Exercise DHARMA GUARDIAN-2022 between the Indian Army and Japanese Ground Self Defence Force. Japan also hosted the multilateral exercise Malabar with India, the US, and Australia in November last year.
