New Delhi: Mogami-Class Stealth Frigate discussions remain open between India and Japan, even though the issue was not formally discussed during the recent summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Both countries agreed to strengthen defence cooperation across land, sea, and air, while Indian officials indicated that advanced naval projects like the Mogami-class frigate could be considered in future talks.
Mogami-Class Frigate Not Part of Summit Agenda
During the summit, India-Japan focused on expanding their overall defence partnership instead of discussing specific military platforms. When asked whether Japan planned to manufacture Mogami-class stealth frigates in India, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the topic was not part of the official agenda. However, he added that such cooperation could be explored in future discussions.
India and Japan Expanding Defence Cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed their commitment to deepen defence cooperation across all operational domains. Both sides highlighted stronger collaboration in maritime security, military technology, logistics, defence manufacturing, and strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Why the Mogami-Class Frigate Is Important
The Mogami-class stealth frigate is one of Japan’s most advanced naval warships. Built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the ship is designed with high automation, allowing it to operate with around 90 crew members—much fewer than many conventional frigates. It also features stealth shaping, advanced sensors, integrated combat systems, anti-submarine warfare capabilities, mine countermeasure functions, and lower operating costs.
What are the Benefits of Mogami-Class Stealth Frigate
If future cooperation moves forward, the Mogami-class project could help India strengthen its naval capabilities. A possible partnership may include technology transfer, local manufacturing, and greater support for India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. Such cooperation could also improve India’s domestic shipbuilding industry and defence manufacturing ecosystem.
UNICORN Antenna Agreement Boosts Defence Ties
Although no frigate agreement was signed, India and Japan achieved an important defence milestone during the summit. Both countries signed their first military hardware co-development agreement to jointly produce the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) stealth mast technology. This advanced system is already used on Japan’s Mogami-class frigates and will involve collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Stronger Strategic Partnership
Defence experts believe the UNICORN agreement could become the foundation for larger defence projects in the future. As India and Japan continue expanding cooperation in advanced military technologies, discussions on the Mogami-class stealth frigate may return when both governments decide the timing is appropriate.
Read also: What Is the India-Japan UNICORN Deal and How Will It Make Indian Navy Warships More Stealthy?
