Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addresses a press briefing, in New Delhi on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
ANI
In a significant boost to India-Japan defence cooperation, the two countries are co-developing a cutting-edge naval antenna system — the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) — for Indian Navy platforms, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Tuesday, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Tokyo beginning August 29.
Commonly known as Nora-50, the UNICORN system is regarded as one of the most advanced weapon-grade composite radar masts in the world. It is currently deployed aboard Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF).
Under a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) signed on November 15, 2024, Japan will provide the design and engineering support, while India will handle integration, adaptation, and co-production through Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
BEL’s Advanced Composite Communication System (ACCS) is already being used by the Indian Navy, paving the way for smooth incorporation of UNICORN into future platforms.
“The two countries are already working on co-developing the unified complex radio antenna — the UNICORN project — which will serve as a common radar mast for Indian Navy platforms,” Misri said during a special briefing on Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visits to Japan and China for the SCO Summit.
Originally developed by NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo KK, and Yokohama Rubber Company in Japan, the UNICORN system features a single composite mast housing multiple antennas and sensors, reducing radar cross-section and improving stealth and signal fidelity.
Its co-development is seen as a milestone in India’s goal to indigenise high-tech naval radar systems.
Wider Focus
Foreign Secretary Misri also said the Indian Navy and the JMSDF are exploring cooperation in ship maintenance and repair, with Indian facilities emerging as global MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) hubs. Notably, some US Navy ships have already utilised these facilities, underlining their growing credibility.
There are ongoing discussions between DRDO and Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) as well. “The defence agenda between India and Japan is consistently being refreshed,” Misri added.
Modi’s visit is expected to strengthen defence industry cooperation between India and Japan which was initiated in 2015. Both the nations had inked the transfer of defence equipment and technology agreement then.
“India and Japan are two countries that share values, trust, and a strategic outlook on several issues. They are two of Asia’s leading democracies and amongst the top five world economies,” Misri said.
This would be PM Modi’s first annual summit with Japanese counterpart Shigeru Ishiba, and also his first standalone visit to Japan in nearly seven years.
“The Prime Minister will also participate in a business leaders’ forum with captains of Japanese and Indian industry. These interactions are aimed at deepening the very important trade, investment and technology relationship between the two countries,” the Foreign Secretary added.
Published on August 26, 2025
