Jodhpur, Sept 20: The first deployment of Japanese fighter aircraft on Indian soil marks a major milestone in India-Japan defence cooperation, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh said on Sunday during the ongoing bilateral air exercise. The exercise, being held at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to 22, features frontline aircraft from both countries, including the Indian Air Force’s indigenous Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s F-2A fighters.

The Japanese fighters’ deployment to India marks the first time Japan has operated its combat aircraft from Indian soil. Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita said the deployment had taken bilateral defence cooperation beyond simply conducting joint exercises, demonstrating the ability to deploy air assets across the Indo-Pacific region.

As part of the “Veer Guardian-2026” bilateral air exercise, Morita flew in a Tejas with an Indian pilot, while Air Chief Marshal A P Singh flew a Tejas solo during sorties at Jodhpur. Following the sorties, the two air force chiefs exchanged badges in a gesture symbolising mutual respect and partnership.

“This exercise, especially because the Japanese fighters are operating from Indian soil for the first time, is a great milestone in our history of our relationship and partnership,” Singh said at a press conference after the sortie. He said the exercise reflected the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries, built on mutual respect, professional trust and a shared commitment to peace and stability.

" When we do exercises together, we learn from each other. We fly together.

We train together. So, both sides improve together," Singh said, adding that such exercises provide an opportunity to understand each other's operational practices and enhance capabilities.

On India's indigenous fighter programme, Air Chief Marshal Singh said a large number of Tejas aircraft had been ordered, though some deliveries had been affected by global supply-chain issues. He said the development of Tejas MK-2, an advanced medium combat aircraft, would take India's defence aviation industry and research and development to "much higher heights".

Japanese air chief Morita said advanced training would develop mutual understanding, strengthen trust and enhance sustained practical cooperation between the two countries. Morita said Tejas stands as a symbol of India's technological innovation and embodies the “Make in India” initiative.