Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas on September 20, 2026, during Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The sortie was part of the ongoing India-Japan bilateral air exercise.When did Takehiro Morita fly the Tejas?General Takehiro Morita flew a twin-seat Tejas aircraft with an Indian Air Force pilot. At the same time, Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh flew another Tejas fighter as part of the formation sortie.The two aircraft took off together and flew over the airfield before carrying out a formation manoeuvre for landing. The flight lasted around 20–25 minutes, according to officials cited in reports.The Japan Air Force Chief Tejas Flight became a notable part of Veer Guardian 2026, as it gave the Japanese air chief direct experience of India's indigenous fighter aircraft.What did Morita say about the Tejas?After the flight, General Morita described the experience as “a truly invaluable experience.” He also said the Tejas represents India's technological innovation and the country's Make in India initiative.Morita said the sortie helped him understand the work of military personnel and industry teams involved in developing the aircraft. He also linked the experience to the value of joint training between the two air forces.“Tejas stands as a symbol of India's technological innovation and embodies the Make in India initiative.” — General Takehiro MoritaWhat is Veer Guardian 2026?Veer Guardian 2026 is a bilateral air exercise between India and Japan being conducted at Jodhpur. The exercise began in September and is scheduled to continue until September 22, 2026.The Indian Air Force is participating with Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter aircraft, while Japan has deployed F-2A fighter jets from the JASDF. This edition marks the first time Japanese fighter aircraft have operated from Indian soil for a bilateral exercise.Related Instagram Video :Japan Air Force Chief Flies India’s Tejas FighterWhat does the exercise involve?The exercise includes joint air-defence training, operational missions, tactical manoeuvres, mission planning and professional exchanges between Indian and Japanese personnel.The India Japan defence cooperation programme has expanded through repeated military exercises. Morita noted that the two air forces have conducted exchanges since the first bilateral air exercise, Shinyuu Maitri, in 2018. The current exercise is focused on improving practical cooperation, mutual understanding and interoperability between the two services.The participation of the Japanese F-2A and Indian LCA Tejas provides both air forces an opportunity to train together and understand each other's aircraft and operating procedures.
