India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MOI) for “co-development” of Unicorn (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) Masts for the Indian Navy.The agreement was signed in Tokyo, Japan, on 15 November 2024. This is the first India-Japan joint production venture in defence equipment since the bilateral agreement on the transfer of defence equipment and technology in 2016. The MOI was signed by Sibi George, the Indian ambassador to Japan, and Ishikawa Takeshi, the Commissioner of the Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) under the Japanese Ministry of Defence.
What is the UNICORN
- The Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN), also known as NORA-50, is an integrated antenna system developed by Japan’s NEC Corporation. It is currently installed on the mast of the Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (Japanese Navy).
- The UNICORN system is an antenna mast with sensors and transponders for communications, electronic warfare, and navigation. It increases naval ships’ stealth capability.
Who will manufacture UNICORN in India
- The UNICORN to be used in Indian naval ships will be produced by the Bengaluru-based Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) with the assistance of Japan’s NEC Corporation.
Background to the Deal
- A Joint statement was issued after the conclusion of the 3rd India Japan 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue of the Defence and Foreign ministers of both countries in New Delhi on 20 August 2024. The joint statement said that progress had been made in exporting Japan’s and related technologies” to India.
- The joint statement announced that both countries had completed their joint research project on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).
- The current memorandum of Implementation (MoI) between the two countries has been signed after the 2+2 meeting of both countries.