Japan plans first-ever F-2 fighter deployment to India for joint air exercise
Tokyo, August 6. Japan is planning to deploy Air Self-Defence Force (ASDF) F-2 fighter jets to India for the first time to participate in a bilateral air exercise, marking another step in the expanding defence partnership between the two countries amid growing concerns over China’s military activities, The Asahi Shimbun news website reported citing Japanese government sources.
The proposed deployment is expected to be discussed when Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visits India later this month for talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The two leaders are also likely to review broader defence cooperation, including defence equipment exports and joint technology development.
According to the sources, the planned exercise is intended to strengthen operational cooperation between the two militaries while serving as a strategic signal in response to China’s increasingly assertive military posture in the Indo-Pacific.
India and Japan conducted their first bilateral fighter aircraft exercise in Japan in 2023. The upcoming deployment of Japanese F-2 fighters to India would mark the first time the aircraft have participated in a joint exercise on Indian soil.
The defence ministers are also expected to discuss progress on defence industrial cooperation following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’ visit to India in July, during which she held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the summit, the two countries reached a broad understanding on the export to India of the Unicorn communications antenna, a system installed on Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force Mogami-class frigates. They are also exploring the joint development of artificial intelligence-enabled defence drones, reflecting efforts to deepen collaboration in advanced defence technologies.
Tokyo has been steadily strengthening security ties with New Delhi as part of its broader strategy to enhance cooperation with like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific in response to China’s expanding military footprint in the region.
Before travelling to India, Koizumi is expected to visit Australia, where he is scheduled to meet Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles and New Zealand Defence Minister Chris Penk in Canberra on August 18.
Japan is also expected to use the visit to promote defence exports. Australia has already selected an upgraded version of the Mogami-class frigate for its navy, while New Zealand has shortlisted the same vessel, along with the British Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate, for its next-generation fleet. A final decision by Wellington is expected in 2027.
Koizumi is also expected to hold separate bilateral meetings with his Australian and New Zealand counterparts during the Canberra visit.
