AHR original reading framework / E.K.K. Not event photography or an equipment rendering.
By Wang Jun
Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 fighter jets have arrived in western India to take part in the Veer Guardian 2026 joint air exercise with the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking the first time the F-2 has been deployed to India for an overseas military exercise.
India’s Asian News International (ANI) reported on September 9 that the F-2s, operated by the JASDF’s 8th Air Wing, arrived in Rajasthan ahead of the exercise, which runs from September 9 to 21. The deployment demonstrates Japan’s growing ability to conduct long-range overseas operations and rapidly deploy combat aircraft far from its home bases.
U.S. Tanker Support Enables Long-Range Deployment
The Japanese F-2 contingent departed Tsuiki Air Base in Kyushu on September 3 and first flew to Naha Air Base in Okinawa. From there, the fighters conducted a long-distance flight with support from U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling tankers.
The aircraft later landed at U-Tapao International Airport in Rayong, southeastern Thailand, on September 6 for refueling and logistical support before continuing on to India.
Two JASDF C-2 transport aircraft were also deployed to support the mission. The transports arrived earlier at Jodhpur Air Force Station in western India and subsequently linked up with the F-2 fighters after their arrival.
India Deploys Su-30MKI, Rafale and Tejas
According to the Indian Air Force, Veer Guardian 2026 is the second bilateral exercise of its kind between India and Japan. The first exercise was held in Japan in 2023, when Indian Su-30MKI fighters participated.
This year, the Indian Air Force is deploying Su-30MKI, French-made Rafale and domestically produced Tejas fighter aircraft. The two sides will conduct dissimilar air combat training (DACT), as well as tactical and technical exchanges designed to improve pilot skills and operational interoperability.
The participation of multiple fighter types will provide both air forces with an opportunity to train against different aircraft and tactics while strengthening their ability to operate together.
First F-2 Landing in Thailand
The deployment also has significance for Japan’s broader defense engagement in Southeast Asia. Thai news outlet Thailand Hyperlinks reported that the mission marked the F-2’s first landing in Thailand, highlighting Japan’s expanding security cooperation with countries in the region.
During the deployment, U.S. aerial refueling support enabled the Japanese fighters to conduct the long-distance journey across the South China Sea, the Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean.
The operation underscores the close coordination and interoperability between the Japanese and U.S. air forces, particularly in aerial refueling and long-range aircraft deployment.
The F-2’s first deployment to India also gives Japan valuable experience in moving combat aircraft over long distances and operating from overseas bases. At the same time, the exercise strengthens defense cooperation between Japan and India and reflects the two countries’ growing security engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
Originally published by Wang Jun in Asia Horizon Review on Medium.