India and Japan Have Completed “Veer Guardian 2023.”

On January 26, 2023, the first edition of the bilateral air exercise “Veer Guardian 2023” between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) finished in Japan. The JASDF took part in the drill using F-2 and F-15 aircraft, while the IAF took part with Su-30 MKI aircraft. One IL-78 flight-refuelling aircraft and two C-17 Globemaster strategic airlift transport aircraft were added to the IAF fighter contingent. According to an official statement, the two Air Forces engaged in complex and comprehensive aerial manoeuvres in different simulated operational scenarios throughout the 16-day combined training.

According to the statement, “The drill required precise planning and execution by both air units. The IAF and the JASDF were involved in air combat manoeuvres, interception, and air defence missions in visual and beyond-visual range circumstances. The two participating Air Forces’ aircrews also flew in each other’s fighter aircraft to better understand each other’s operating philosophies.”

The exercise “Veer Guardian 2023” gave the two Air Forces a chance to improve mutual understanding. The exercise also featured multiple ground meetings between IAF and JASDF soldiers, during which both sides discussed various topics.
“This provided the participating contingents with invaluable insight into each other’s best practices and allowed them to learn from each other’s unique skills,” the report added.

“The two Air Forces engaged in sophisticated and comprehensive aerial manoeuvres in different simulated operational scenarios throughout the 16-day combined training,” the IAF said in a statement.

“The exercise also featured multiple ground interactions between IAF and JASDF soldiers, during which both sides discussed various topics.” “This gave the participating contingents invaluable insight into each other’s best practices as well as the opportunity to learn from each other’s unique capabilities,” the IAF said in a statement.

The exercise “Veer Guardian 2023” gave the two Air Forces a chance to improve mutual understanding. The exercise also featured multiple ground meetings between IAF and JASDF soldiers, during which both sides discussed various topics.