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Japan Air Chief flies Tejas with IAF Chief (Img: IANS)
Jodhpur: Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita described his flight in India's indigenously developed Tejas fighter aircraft as more than a memorable experience. He called Tejas a symbol of trust, confidence and friendship between India and Japan.
Morita made the remarks during the second edition of the bilateral air exercise "Exercise Veer Guardian-2026" between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the JASDF, being held at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and General Morita flew together in the Tejas, highlighting the expanding defence and aerial cooperation between the two countries.
“I will remember it not only as a truly valuable experience, but also as a powerful symbol of trust, confidence, and friendship”, General Takehiro Morita said during a joint press interaction.
“Our partnership has progressed beyond simply conducting exercises together to refine our tactical capabilities at a practical level. Through increasingly sophisticated training, our two air forces have advanced our cooperation. These efforts strengthen our capability to contribute to peace and stability, and over time help strengthen regional deterrents. Japan and India share that common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he added.
Morita said the growing sophistication of the bilateral exercises reflected the maturity of the partnership and the two countries' shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.
The cooperation includes exercises and exchanges at various levels, ranging from senior leadership to subject matter experts, as well as possible collaboration in the space domain.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh welcomed General Morita and his contingent. Speaking about the relationship between the two air forces, the CAS said: “It is a partnership built on mutual respect, professional trust, and shared commitment to peace and stability; And India and Japan share a vision of a free, open and rule-based Indo-Pacific”.
He said the synergy between the two air forces was akin to Kizuna, referring to enduring bonds between people and relationships built through mutual trust and support. He described it as “A bond that grows stronger through shared experiences, mutual respect, and collaboration”.
Referring to General Morita's sortie in the Tejas formation, the CAS said: “I will say that the defence aviation industry and R&D are now set to hit much higher heights.”
He further described the sortie as a “very clear example of how much faith and trust you have in the homegrown Indian aircraft”.
