NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) will conduct bilateral Air Exercise, Veer Guardian-2026, at Air Force Station Jodhpur, from Wednesday till Sept 22, the defence ministry said on Tuesday.The 14-day exercise will see the participation of frontline fighter aircraft from both countries. While the Indian Air Force will participate with a diverse mix of frontline combat aircraft, including indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30 MKl and Rafale jets, JASDF will participate with its F-2A fighter aircraft, the ministry said.The Japanese F-2A is a close cousin of the American F-16 Fighting Falcon, sharing the same basic airframe design but heavily modified for maritime defence. The participation of Japan’s F-2A fighter jets in Veer Guardian-2026 will give the IAF a valuable opportunity to train against a close relative of the F-16.The exercise will provide an opportunity to the air warriors of both India and Japan to undertake advanced operational missions and enhance interoperability through extensive professional interactions.During the exercise, participating air warriors will undertake advanced operational missions and engage in extensive professional interactions. The program integrates mission planning conferences, subject matter expert exchanges, and interaction between personnel on engineering and aspects of aerospace safety, fostering deep operational synergy between the two air forces.Exercise Veer Guardian-26 reflects a deepening strategic partnership between India and Japan by enhancing tactical proficiency and aerospace operational synergy. The exercise reaffirms the longstanding bonds of friendship and strategic cooperation between the two nations.