Exercise Veer Guardian

Why is in news? IAF'S JOINT AIR DEFENCE EXERCISE WITH JAPAN, 'VEER GUARDIAN 2023' CONCLUDES

The inaugural edition of the bilateral air exercise 'Veer Guardian 2023' between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) concluded in Japan, on 26 January 2023.

Veer Guardian 2023 will be the first-ever bilateral combat air exercise between India and Japan.

This 10-day exercise will be held between the Indian Air Force and the Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) at Japan’s Hyakuri air base and Iruma air base.

The objective of this maiden exercise is to strengthen the mutual understanding and defence relations between the two air forces. It also seeks to enhance JASDF’s tactical skills to strengthen its preparedness to potential armed conflicts.

The JASDF participated in the exercise with its F-2 and F-15 aircraft, while the IAF contingent participated with the Su-30 MKI aircraft.

The IAF fighter contingent was complemented by one IL-78 Flight Refueling Aircraft and two C-17 Globemaster strategic airlift transport aircraft.

During the joint training spanning 16 days, the two Air Forces engaged in complex and comprehensive aerial manoeuvres in multiple simulated operational scenarios.

The exercise involved precise planning and skillful execution by both the air forces.

IAF and JASDF engaged in air combat manoeuvring, interception and air defence missions, both in Visual and Beyond Visual Range settings.

Aircrew of the two participating Air Forces also flew in each other's fighter aircraft to gain a deeper understanding of each other's operating philosophies.

Exercise 'Veer Guardian 2023' provided the two Air Forces with an opportunity to enhance mutual understanding.

The exercise also witnessed numerous ground interactions between IAF and JASDF personnel wherein various aspects were discussed by both sides.

This enabled the participating contingents to obtain an invaluable insight into each other's best practices and learn from each other’s unique capabilities.

Other exercises: Dharma Guardian exercise between the armies, SHINYUU Maitri between the air forces, and JIMEX between the navies, Milan Exercise a multilateral naval exercise.