India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for the joint development of the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) mast, an advanced naval communication system designed to enhance stealth by reducing radar cross-section.
The agreement, signed in Tokyo on November 15, 2024, marks the first co-development and co-production of defence equipment between the two nations, involving Bharat Electronics Limited in India and Japanese collaboration.
The project, discussed during the India-Japan 2+2 dialogue in August 2024, highlights growing defence ties and could lead to the first export of Japanese defence technology under a 2015 bilateral agreement.
The UNICORN mast improves naval operational effectiveness and reflects renewed momentum in defence cooperation, overcoming past challenges like the stalled amphibious plane deal.
