New Delhi: India-Japan UNICORN deal has marked a major step in defence cooperation between the two countries. India and Japan have announced their first-ever joint defence co-development project to build the advanced UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna / NORA-50 Integration Mast) system for Indian Navy warships. The new technology is expected to improve the stealth, communication, and combat capability of future Indian naval vessels.
Details of India-Japan UNICORN Deal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the UNICORN project during their summit in New Delhi.
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PM Modi called the agreement a “new chapter” in the India-Japan defence technology partnership. The leaders said both countries will jointly develop advanced defence technologies to strengthen maritime security, regional peace, and a rules-based Indo-Pacific.
What Is the UNICORN Mast
UNICORN stands for Unified Complex Radio Antenna. It is an advanced integrated mast that combines many communication and radar antennas inside a single radar dome, known as a radome.
Unlike traditional naval masts with several exposed antennas, the UNICORN system hides them inside one streamlined structure. This reduces the ship’s radar signature, making it harder for enemy radar systems to detect and identify the vessel.
Why Is It Called Japan’s ‘Ninja Tech’?
The technology has been nicknamed “Ninja Tech” because of its ability to help warships remain difficult to detect. The mast supports multiple systems, including:
- Tactical data links
- Communication antennas
- TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation)
- Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
- Electronic Support Measures (ESM)
By combining these systems into one enclosed mast, the warship becomes more stealthy while maintaining full operational capability.
India-Japan UNICORN Deal: How Will India Build It?
The project will be co-produced in India by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). Japan will provide advanced design and engineering expertise, while BEL will handle integration and manufacturing in India under the Make in India initiative. The agreement follows a Memorandum of Implementation signed in Tokyo in November 2024.
Why Is the India-Japan UNICORN Deal Important?
The UNICORN project is the first defence equipment co-development programme between India and Japan. It also represents one of Japan’s most significant defence technology transfers since the country relaxed its defence export rules. The agreement reflects growing strategic cooperation between the two nations as they work together to improve maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region.
Better Stealth for Indian Warships
The technology is already used on Japan’s Mogami-class stealth frigates. The integrated mast greatly reduces radar reflections by removing multiple exposed antennas, helping warships stay less visible to enemy surveillance systems.
This can improve survivability during naval operations and increase operational effectiveness in contested waters.
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