In a significant boost to defence cooperation, India and Japan have formalized an agreement to jointly develop the advanced UNICORN mast system for the Indian Navy.
A Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) was signed Friday at the Embassy of India in Tokyo, marking a new era of collaboration in defence technology between the two nations.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ambassador Sibi George of India and Mr. Ishikawa Takeshi, Commissioner of the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) of Japan.
Cmde Digvijay Singh Pathania represented the Indian Navy, while Mr. Fukunaga Tetsuro, Director General of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), also graced the occasion.
UNICORN, which stands for Unified Complex Radio Antenna, is a cutting-edge naval mast that integrates various communication and sensor systems into a single, streamlined structure. This innovative design enhances the stealth capabilities of warships by reducing their radar cross-section, making them more difficult to detect.
By stacking antennas and encasing them within a radome, UNICORN minimizes the electromagnetic signature that can be picked up by enemy radar.
This co-development project leverages the technological strengths of both nations. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will lead the development in India, collaborating with Japanese partners to produce these advanced systems.
This initiative represents the first instance of co-development/co-production of defence equipment between India and Japan, paving the way for further collaborations in areas like underwater systems, autonomous platforms, and cybersecurity.
The UNICORN mast is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of Indian naval vessels. By improving stealth and integrating communication systems, it will contribute to the Indian Navy's ability to effectively safeguard national interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
