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India and Japan Ink Agreement on Stealth UNICORN Mast for Naval Warships.

International | Dated: 21 Nov 2024

On November 15, 2024, the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for the co-development of Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) mast for fitment onboard ships of the Indian Navy (IN) under India-Japan Defence Technology Cooperation (IJDTC).

🎯 Key Highlights:

- The initiative aims to enhance the stealth and technological capabilities of the Indian Navy and marks India's first military technology transfer pact with Japan.
- The UNICORN mast (single piece) is an integrated conical structure housing antennas atop warships, designed to enhance stealth capabilities, and will be fitted on Indian Naval warships.

💡 Other Important Facts:

(i) The mast was developed jointly by three Japanese companies: NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Company Limited. These antennas are currently fitted on Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.
(ii) UNICORN's implementation would be the first case of co-development and co-production of defence equipment between India and Japan.
(iii) The Indian Navy is pursuing the induction of these advanced systems, which will be co-developed by Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in collaboration with Japan.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, India signed an MoU with which country for the Stealth UNICORN Mast for naval warships?

Correct Answer: Japan

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Japan

PM : Shigeru Ishiba
Capital : Tokyo