The historic move signals Tokyo’s desire to strengthen defence ties with ‘like-minded’ Indo-Pacific powers, analysts say
4-MIN READ4-MINSeong Hyeon ChoiPublished: 8:00pm, 29 Aug 2026Japan plans to deploy fighter jets in India for the first time next month, a decision experts say reflects Tokyo’s desire to strengthen security cooperation with “like-minded” countries in the Indo-Pacific region as it ramps up defence spending in response to China’s growing military power.According to a Japan Air Self-Defence Force announcement on Tuesday, Tokyo will conduct a joint training exercise, Veer Guardian 26, with the Indian Air Force between September 9 and 21 in Rajasthan in western India.
“This will be a valuable opportunity to enhance mutual understanding and trust,” said Takehiro Morita, chief of staff of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.
Koizumi met Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and pledged “to further deepen defence cooperation” through bilateral exercises, aiming to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific.
