NEW DELHI: India and Japan launched their first bilateral aviation exercise on January 12, 2023, amid rising worries over China's military buildup in the Indo-Pacific area.
At Japan's Hyakuri air base, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) are participating in the "Veer Guardian-2023" exercise, which will last till January 26.
The JASDF is taking part with four F-2 and four F-15 aircraft, while the Indian contingent is taking part with four Su-30 MKI, two C-17, and one IL-78 aircraft.
" #ExVeerGuardian23
Kon'nichiwa to the Land of the Rising Sun, our home for the next two weeks.
#DiplomatsInFlightSuits," a tweet read by the Indian Air Force.
Aerial combat training between the two Air Forces will be conducted as part of the maiden exercise.
They will collaborate on best practices while completing multi-domain air combat missions in a challenging setting. On several operational elements, experts from both sides will hold conversations and share their knowledge.
"On Jan 10, #JASDF splendidly welcomed #SU30MKI #IAF (#IndianAirForce) at Hyakuri Air Base. JASDF and IAF will conduct the first JPN-IND bilateral fighter exercise #VeerGuardian in JPN. JASDF will continue promoting JPN-IND #DefenseCooperation to uphold and reinforce #FOIP ," a tweet read by Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
According to India's Ministry of Defence, "Exercise 'Veer Guardian' will strengthen the long-standing camaraderie between the two Air Forces and expand the opportunities for defence cooperation." The Ministry noted, "This exercise will be another step toward strengthening strategic ties and greater defence cooperation between the two countries."
"An IAF contingent will depart tomorrow for Hyakuri Air Base, Japan for the maiden Exercise Veer Guardian 2023 to be held with Japan Air Self Defence Force from 12 to 26 Jan 2023
IAF will participate with four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 Globemasters & an IL-78 tanker.
@JASDF_PAO_ENG, " Another tweet read by the Indian Air Force.
In September of last year, at the second "2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial" meeting in Tokyo, India, and Japan decided to expand their bilateral defence cooperation and perform additional military drills, including the first joint fighter jet exercises.
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