India, Japan sign agreement for co-development of naval communication tech

In a significant development, India and Japan have signed an agreement for the co-development of specialised radio communication equipment used by naval warships. This marks the first instance of co-development or co-production of defence equipment between the two countries.

The equipment, called the Unified Complex Radio Antenna, or ‘Unicorn,’ is a mast-shaped system that integrates all communication functions on a warship. Technically known as the ‘NORA-50 antenna,’ it is currently used by Japanese warships. According to the Ministry of Defence, this system would help enhance the stealth capabilities of Indian naval platforms.

The Indian Navy plans to induct these advanced systems, which will be co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in India in collaboration with Japan. A Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) was signed on Friday at the Embassy of India in Tokyo. The MoI was exchanged between India's Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George and Ishikawa Takeshi, Commissioner of Japan's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA).

In August, Japanese Defence Minister Minoru Kihara offered the ‘Unicorn’ to India during the 2+2 dialogue between India and Japan's foreign and defence ministers in New Delhi. At the time, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had requested Japan to address regulatory challenges, particularly the constitutional restrictions on the export of lethal weapons under Japan's pacifist constitution.

Sources noted Japan is renowned for its advanced technologies in shipbuilding, engines and submarines. During the 2+2 dialogue, both nations agreed to strengthen their defence and security cooperation. They also decided to update the 2008 Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to address contemporary security challenges.

This agreement highlights the growing defence collaboration between India and Japan, which is expected to strengthen both countries' naval capabilities.