Japan Air Force Chief Takehiro Morita Flies LCA Tejas During Veer Guardian 2026 With Indian Counterpart (Video)

Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew in India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas during the ongoing bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian-2026’ at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Highlighting the strategic significance of the flight, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh described the sortie as a clear testament to Japan’s “faith and trust” in India's homegrown fighter platform.

The joint flight saw both air chiefs take to the skies in Tejas aircraft, underscoring growing defense ties and tactical cooperation between New Delhi and Tokyo. The second edition of the exercise marks the first-ever deployment of JASDF fighter aircraft to Indian soil, featuring frontline jets from both nations engaging in complex aerial maneuvers. Bengaluru: Rajnath Singh Attends Handover of Tejas Trainers, HTT-40s to IAF, Dhruv NG Helicopters to PHL.

Japan Air Force Chief Takehiro Morita Flies Indigenous LCA Tejas

Speaking after the sortie, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh emphasized that General Morita’s decision to fly the indigenous platform reflected international confidence in India’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities.

“The sortie that you’ve flown, I think, is a very clear example of how much faith and trust you have in the homegrown Indian aircraft… I’m sure this sortie will go a long way in having exchange programmes even in flight training, especially in fighter aircraft,” Singh said. Singh stressed that the bilateral engagement transcended conventional drill protocols.

“So, I can say that this Veer Guardian 26 was more than just an exercise. It is another step forward in our partnership that has grown with every engagement that we have had, and a partnership that will continue to open new avenues for mutual learning, greater interoperability, and deeper friendship between our air warriors–the people who are on the floor, in the field. Together, there is no limit to what the two air forces cannot achieve, and we will continue to increase this partnership,” he said.

Institution Bigger Than Any Person, Says IAF Chief Ahead of Retirement

Addressing his impending superannuation, Singh confirmed that he would be stepping down as the Chief of the Air Staff in approximately one month, affirming that leadership transitions would not disrupt the trajectory of bilateral relations.

“Thank you very much for the kind words spoken about me and my tenure as the Chief. Yes, in another month, I am retiring from this post. I can just assure you that at least in the Indian Air Force, we have made sure that the institution is bigger than any person. So, with one person retiring, nothing will change. The kind of relationship that we have with Koku-Jieitai will continue. My successors will take it forward and will work with you closely to ensure that our relationship grows from strength to strength,” Singh said.

Expressing gratitude to his Japanese counterpart, Singh added: “Once again, I would like to thank General Morita, the Chief of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, who has taken time out to join us as a distinguished visitor in this exercise. That itself elevates this exercise to a much higher level. Thank you for sending your team here, and I am sure they will take back some happy memories, and we will continue to have these exercises at regular intervals.”

Veer Guardian-2026 brings together advanced combat platforms to refine joint tactical operations and mission planning. The IAF has deployed a varied fleet comprising the indigenous LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI, and Rafale fighter aircraft. The JASDF contingent is participating with its frontline Mitsubishi F-2A multirole fighters, sharpening operational readiness and interoperability across the Indo-Pacific theater.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2026 06:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).