India: India and Japan will be engaging in a joint Air Exercise known as ‘Veer Guardian-2023’ at Japan’s Hyakuri Air Base next week with the aim of increasing air defence collaboration between the two nations.
From January 12 to 26, India’s Su-30 MKI, two C-17s, and one IL-78 aircraft will be featured in an air exercise. Additionally, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will be present with four F-2 and four F-15 planes.
Indian Air force informed via tweet that the “IAF contingent would leave for Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, for the maiden Exercise Veer Guardian 2023 to be held with Japan Air Self Defence Force from 12 to January 26, 2023. IAF will take part with four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 Globemasters and an IL-78 tanker.”
This occurred after a month after a joint drill at Malabar involving India, Australia, Japan, and the United States was conducted from November 8 to 15 at Yokosuka, Japan.
In September 2022, six Indian ships, one submarine along with P81, Mig-29K and Dornier aircraft took part in the bilateral exercise Known as JIMEX 22 with Japan Maritime Defence Force (JMSDF) ships Izumo and Takanami near Visakhapatnam.
In September 2022, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard also visited Tokyo, Japan, in order to attend the 20th Edition of the High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and the Japanese Coast Guard.
As per the Defence Ministry, joint exercises are being conducted alternately in India and Japan to establish a joint relationship to combat crimes at sea and the development of regional cooperation.