Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew India's indigenously developed fighter aircraft, the Tejas, at Air Force Station Jodhpur on 20 September 2026, calling the sortie 'a powerful symbol of trust, confidence, and friendship.' The flight took place on the sidelines of Exercise Veer Guardian-2026, the second edition of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the JASDF.

What Happened at Jodhpur

Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal A.P. Singh and General Morita flew together in the Tejas formation, a visible demonstration of deepening defence and aerial cooperation between India and Japan. The dual sortie was described by both chiefs as far more than a ceremonial gesture — it signalled substantive operational trust between the two air forces.

Speaking at a joint press interaction during the exercise, General Morita said: 'I will remember it not only as a truly valuable experience, but also as a powerful symbol of trust, confidence, and friendship.'

What General Morita Said About the Partnership

The JASDF chief underlined that the bilateral relationship had evolved well beyond routine exercises. 'Our partnership has progressed beyond simply conducting exercises together to refine our tactical capabilities at a practical level. Through increasingly sophisticated training, our two air forces have advanced our cooperation,' he said.

General Morita added that these efforts strengthen the capability of both forces to contribute to peace and stability, and over time help reinforce regional deterrents. He specifically invoked the shared Indo-Pacific vision: 'Japan and India share that common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.'

Air Marshal Singh on 'Kizuna' and the Tejas

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh welcomed General Morita and his contingent, describing the partnership as one 'built on mutual respect, professional trust, and shared commitment to peace and stability.' He evoked the Japanese concept of Kizuna — meaning enduring bonds forged through mutual trust and support — to characterise the bilateral relationship, calling it 'a bond that grows stronger through shared experiences, mutual respect, and collaboration.'

On General Morita's Tejas sortie, the IAF chief said: 'I will say that the defence aviation industry and R&D are now set to hit much higher heights,' describing the flight as 'a very clear example of how much faith and trust you have in the homegrown Indian aircraft.'

Scope of Veer Guardian-2026

The exercise's activities span tactical flying, exchanges at every level from senior leadership to subject matter experts, and reportedly potential cooperation in the space domain. Both sides noted that the sophistication of the bilateral exercises reflects the maturity of the partnership and a shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

This comes amid a broader tightening of India-Japan defence ties, with both nations increasingly aligned on the Indo-Pacific security architecture. The Tejas sortie by a foreign air chief is among the most high-profile endorsements the indigenous aircraft has received — and one that carries strategic weight beyond the flight line at Jodhpur.