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India–Japan Agreement on UNICORN Masts: A Key Milestone in Defence Cooperation
Context:
Recently India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MOI) on 15 November 2024 for the co-development of Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) masts. This innovative technology is for fitting on-board Indian Navy ships.
Overview of the Agreement:
Historical and Future Prospects of India- Japan Defence Relations
- Foundation of Cooperation: Initiated in 2015 with the transfer of defence equipment and technology agreement.
- Future Goals:
- Strengthen Indo-Pacific security frameworks.
- Establish a stable, equitable regional order.
- Expand India–Japan bilateral ties in defence and beyond.
- Purpose: India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MOI) for co-developing Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) masts.
- Collaboration Details:
- Japan: Advanced design expertise.
- India: Integration and co-production (partner: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)).
- Significance: Marks deepening defence ties and makes India the second Asian nation to receive Japanese defence technology after the Philippines (2023).
UNICORN’s Technological Strengths:
- Stealth and Efficiency:
- Reduces radar cross-section (RCS) for improved stealth.
- Consolidates multiple antennas into a single radar dome (radome).
- Enhanced Performance:
- Improves operational efficiency and communication in contemporary, digitally vulnerable battlefields.
- Features a Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) radome for weather resistance and easy maintenance.
- Innovative Design:
- Lightning diverter strip for protection against lightning strikes.
- New TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation) antenna design: hollow doughnut-shaped, placed lower on the mast.
- Maintenance Benefits:
- The entire antenna is replaceable as a single unit.
- Damaged systems are kept as ‘ready-use’ spares for quick repairs.
Strategic Importance for the Indian Navy:
- Improved Capabilities:
- Enhances stealth, communication, and operational efficiency.
- Strengthens marine domain awareness and naval presence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Reduction in Electronic Signatures:
- Makes warships harder to detect.
- Better suited for surveillance and addressing maritime security threats.
Geopolitical Importance for India :
- Alignment with ‘Make in India’
- Indigenous Defence Manufacturing:
- Partnership with Japan aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- Boosts production capacity, quality, and skill development.
- Diversification in Defence Procurement:
- Reduces reliance on Russian equipment.
- Unlocks collaboration opportunities with technologically advanced, like-minded nations.
- Indigenous Defence Manufacturing:
- Providing Strategic Autonomy in present geopolitical Context
- Timely Diversification: Amid sanctions on Russia and supply chain challenges post-Ukraine conflict, Japan emerges as a reliable democratic partner.
- Global Partnerships: Enhanced cooperation with nations like the US and France further strengthens India’s strategic autonomy.
Conclusion: The UNICORN mast agreement is a game-changer for Indo-Japanese defence ties and a milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The collaboration reflects shared strategic goals in ensuring a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
