India-Japan To Hold Joint Military Air Exercises

India and Japan have reinforced military cooperation in recent years to join forces to counterbalance the military threat from communist China. The two countries will hold joint air exercises from January 12th to the 26th, simulating multi-domain air combat missions in a complex environment and holding various air combat drills.

The exercise, code-named “Veer Guardian 2023” will be conducted at the Air Self-Defense Force’s Hyakuri base in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, with four F15 fighter jets and two F2 fighter jets deployed by the Air Self-Defense Force. The Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet participating in the exercise consisted of four Su-30MKI fighters, two C17 transport aircraft, and one IL-78 air refueling aircraft. The formation departed on January 8th, for Japan via Thailand and the Philippines.

A statement from the IAF said experts from both sides will discuss and share their expertise in terms of different operability during the exercise. The exercise will contribute to deepening strategic relations and strengthening defense cooperation between India and Japan, reinforcing the long-standing bonds of friendship, and cooperation between the two countries’ air forces.