India, Japan sign pact to co-develop naval stealth tech

In a significant development, India and Japan have inked an agreement for co-development of a specialised stealth radio communication equipment used by naval warships.

This would be the first case of co-development or co-production of defence equipment between the two countries.

The equipment, called as ‘unified complex radio antenna’ or ‘Unicorn’, is a mast-shaped system that integrates all communication systems. Technically known as ‘NORA-50 antenna’, it is currently being used by Japanese warships.

“This system will help improve the stealth characteristics of Indian naval platforms,” a statement of the Ministry of Defence said.

The Indian Navy is planning to induct these advanced systems, which will be co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in India in collaboration with Japan.

A memorandum of implementation (MoI) was signed at the Embassy of India, Tokyo, on Friday, the Indian Embassy in Tokyo said in post on social media platform X.

The MoI was exchanged between Sibi George, India’s Ambassador to Japan, and Ishikawa Takeshi, Commissioner of Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), under Japan’s Ministry of Defence, during a ceremony in Tokyo.

In August, Japanese Defence Minister Minuro Kihara had offered the ‘Unicorn’ to India during the 2+2 dialogue between India and Japan’s foreign and defence ministers in New Delhi.

Sources said Japanese hold one of the best technologies in making ships, engines and submarines.