What is the UNICORN mast?

The UNICORN mast is a conical structure with integrated communication systems designed to improve the stealth and operational efficiency of naval warships.

Why is the UNICORN mast significant?

The UNICORN mast consolidates multiple antennas into a single radome, reducing the ship's radar cross-section, enhancing stealth, and simplifying maintenance.

Who will co-develop the UNICORN mast in India?

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will co-develop the UNICORN mast in collaboration with Japanese companies.

What makes the India-Japan MoI historic?

This is the first instance of Japan exporting defence technology under its pacifist constitution and the first co-development of defence equipment between India and Japan.

When was the India-Japan MoI signed?

The MoI was signed in November 2024 during a ceremony in Tokyo.

Which Japanese companies developed the UNICORN system?

The UNICORN system was developed by NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.

What are the benefits of the UNICORN mast?

The UNICORN mast enhances stealth, improves the detection range of radio waves, simplifies installation and maintenance, and reduces electronic signatures.

Which Indian naval platforms will use the UNICORN mast?

The UNICORN mast will be integrated into Indian Navy warships.

When was the India-Japan defence technology transfer agreement signed?

The defence technology transfer agreement between India and Japan was signed in 2015.

What was discussed during the 2024 2+2 inter-Ministerial dialogue?

The dialogue emphasized the early transfer of UNICORN technology and cooperation on unmanned ground vehicles and robotics.

Which Japanese warships currently use the UNICORN mast?

The Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force are equipped with the UNICORN mast.

How does the UNICORN mast improve stealth?

It reduces the radar cross-section by consolidating multiple antennas into a single radome, minimizing electronic signatures.

What is the radar dome of the UNICORN mast called?

The radar dome of the UNICORN mast is called a radome.

What future collaborations are India and Japan exploring?

India and Japan are exploring cooperation on ship maintenance and defence assistance to third countries for Indo-Pacific stability.

Has Japan previously exported military hardware?

Japan has explored exporting military hardware, but strict conditions due to its pacifist constitution have limited such exports.

Why did the amphibious plane deal between India and Japan not progress?

The deal stalled due to high costs and other priority procurements for the Indian Navy.

When did Indian Defence Minister visit the JS Kumano ship?

The Defence Minister visited the JS Kumano ship in September 2022 during a trip to Japan.

What is the purpose of the UNICORN mast's integrated communication system?

The integrated system enhances operational efficiency and detection capabilities of naval warships.

How does the UNICORN mast simplify maintenance?

The consolidation of antennas into a single radome reduces complexity, making installation and maintenance easier.

India and Japan Forge Historic Defence Pact: Co-Development of UNICORN Stealth Mast for Naval Warships

India and Japan have formalized a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for the co-development of the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) mast, a conical structure designed to house antennas on naval warships. This innovative system enhances stealth capabilities and will be integrated into Indian Navy vessels under the India-Japan Defence Technology Cooperation framework.

The agreement marks a milestone as the first instance of Japan exporting defence technology, following the bilateral defence equipment and technology transfer agreement signed in 2015. The MoI was signed by Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George and Ishikawa Takeshi, Commissioner of Japan’s Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency, during a ceremony in Tokyo.

UNICORN, an advanced integrated communication system, consolidates multiple antennas into a single radar dome, or radome, significantly reducing the radar cross-section of warships. This enhances their stealth features and improves the range and efficiency of radio wave detection. Co-development will involve collaboration between Bharat Electronics Limited in India and Japanese partners. This joint venture represents the first case of co-production and co-development of defence equipment between the two nations.

Japan has shown interest in exporting military technology, albeit with stringent restrictions due to its pacifist constitution. While India and Japan had earlier discussed acquiring amphibious planes for the Indian Navy, the high cost and other priorities stalled the deal.

During the 2+2 Inter-Ministerial Dialogue in August 2024, both nations emphasized the early transfer of UNICORN technology and acknowledged advancements in other collaborative projects, including unmanned ground vehicles and robotics. The Japanese Navy’s Mogami-class frigates currently utilize the UNICORN system, which was showcased to Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to Japan in 2022.

The two countries are also exploring collaborations on ship maintenance and extending defence and security support to third nations to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Highlights:

Significance: This is India’s first military technology transfer pact with Japan, strengthening their strategic partnership.
About UNICORN: Developed by NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., UNICORN integrates various antennas into a single radome, enhancing stealth and simplifying maintenance.
Impact: The technology minimizes electronic signatures, improves detection range, and offers better operational capabilities for naval platforms.

Key Highlights:

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