IAF's Su-30MKI Pilot in the Cockpit of a Japanese F-15 Eagle Jet...

An Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot recently participated in a familiarization flight aboard a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15 fighter jet at Komatsu Air Base in Japan. This event, which occurred around mid-November 2025, was part of a professional and cultural exchange aimed at deepening mutual understanding and strengthening trust between the two air forces.

Details of the Event

• Location: Komatsu Air Base, Japan.
• Aircraft: A two-seat version of the JASDF F-15 (F-15DJ).
• Purpose: The flight was an orientation and familiarization exercise, not a full combat drill, designed to foster closer coordination and understanding of each other's operations under the Japan-India Defense Cooperation Initiative.
• Broader Context of India-Japan Cooperation

This flight is the latest development in ongoing defense cooperation between India and Japan, which includes several joint military exercises, such as the "Veer Guardian" series.

• Exercise Veer Guardian 2023: The first edition of this joint air exercise in January 2023 involved IAF Su-30MKI jets and JASDF F-15s and F-2s. During that exercise, an IAF pilot also flew in a Japanese F-2 fighter jet, and Squadron Leader Avani Chaturvedi became the first woman IAF fighter pilot to participate in aerial war games abroad.
• Strategic Alignment: These engagements are viewed as part of a broader strategic effort between Tokyo and New Delhi to enhance interoperability and ensure regional stability amid rising security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

[P2S2]

These will lead to finding out during the next hostilities who our allies really are. We have and are doing everything in our partnership with Japan. We will carefully watch Japanese reactions, including the actions of our Quad partners.
Henceforth others actions will separate foes from allies. We have matured into the new normal.

 

[P2S2]

Saudi Arabia has chosen its side. Iran and the rest will show their hands. We will act accordingly. We are an ancient peoples and are capable of choosing friends who stick with us.