The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) are holding joint air exercises for the first time. Titled 'Veer Guardian-2023' (Veer stands for brave in Hindi), the exercise is taking place at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan. The two week long exercises culminates on 26 January. 

The IAF contingent of four Su-30 MKI, two C-17 & one IL-78 mid-air refueller made stops in Thailand and the Philippines before arriving in Japan. 

The Sukhoi fighter jets participating in the exercise, belong to the IAF’s 220 Squadron ‘Desert Tigers’. 

The JASDF is participating with four F-2 & four F-15s.

Both sides will undertake multi-domain air combat missions in a complex environment and will exchange best practices.