How UNICORN masts reflects robust India-Japan defence ties

UNICORN is a mast with integrated communication systems that will help improve the stealth characteristics of naval platforms. This induction will be the first such case of co-production of defence equipment between India and Japan

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Japan knows that India is a trustworthy partner in the Indo-Pacific region, which acts as a counterweight to Chinese aggression and security assertiveness. Representational image

The Indo-Pacific region is witnessing an upsurge of activities among the countries, wherein India-Japan defence cooperation is observing its necessary warmth from post-COVID years. Both countries have signed a special strategic and global partnership agreement in 2014 to materialise regional stability and ensure their shared interests, serving as a foundational bed for increased defence exchanges.

Their QUAD cooperation, defence exercises (JIMEX, Dharma Guardian, Malabar & Shinyuu Maitri), and 2+2 Ministerial Dialogues are testament to their strategic alignment while growing parallelly. This growing partnership is rapidly expanding in many domains of defence cooperation in such a short time.

Following the course, both countries signed a memorandum of implementation (MoI) for the co-development of Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) masts for fitment onboard ships of Indian Naval Forces last week. UNICORN (Nora-50 variant) is a mast with integrated communication systems that will help improve the stealth characteristics of naval platforms. This induction will be the first such case of co-production of defence equipment between India and Japan. These advanced, horn-shaped, single, streamlined, stealth characteristics structure systems will be co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in India under the guidance of the Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), Ministry of Defence, Japan.

Another aspect is the ‘Game of Chip War’ among the allies of Japan in East Asia. Countries like the US, Taiwan, and South Korea left Japan way behind in military chip production and next-gen AI-enabled chip production. India, on the other hand, is hustling for all resources to create an integrated chip development industry that can power its defence needs in the coming years. Japan witnessed that those who command next-gen techs rule the world. India has the potential to materialise Japanese chip research and development into a mega production facility that will benefit both partners in the long run. It will not only benefit defence industries but will also cater to whole electronics supply chains in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

In the context of Indian maritime security architecture, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands group plays a central role. The strategic location, vital shipping route, quick reach to ocean choke points, and base of tri-services command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) make it vital for Indian strategic plans. Japan is actively investing in these islands through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) projects. South Andaman hosts a $133 million renewable energy supply project contributing to overall development, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and military capabilities. Japan’s investment reflects its support for the islands’ strategic significance to counter regional threats, especially from naval superior countries like China.

Japan also extended financial support for various infrastructure projects to improve logistics capabilities and interconnectedness among the islands. These islands are a critical juncture to vigil high waters of not only the Indian Ocean but also extend India’s reach to the Pacific. Japan is aware of its importance in empowering Indian capacities locally so as to extend its reach towards the South China Sea in emergency situations.

India’s North East

Another strategically key area for India where India and China are at a crossroads. Kautilya (ancient Indian philosopher, author of Arthashastra) delineated centuries ago in its Mandala theory that ’the enemy of the enemy is a friend’. Japan understands the criticality of the situation in high-altitude regions of northeastern India, which are not well-developed even after 77 years of independence.

The lack of necessary facilities like all-weather roads, clean water, sanitation, digital connectivity, and others is still missing in many inhabited places. By default, it weakens India’s claim and power to exercise its right over geographical boundaries. It also contracts movement of Indian defence forces to border areas rapidly and provides security cover to strategic checkpoints. It was one of the main reasons for India’s loss in the Indo-China war of 1962.

Japan understands this grave issue of Indian incapabilities to develop its eastern arm rapidly in limited time, which needs better technology, access to immediate funds, and specific supervision to realise a developmental agenda. As of early 2024, more than $2 billion were invested by Japan through official development assistance (ODA) for infrastructure development in landlocked northeast India. Apart from that, an additional 50,000 million yen for two specific connectivity projects were cleared by the Japanese government. It enables Indian forces to reach border states quickly and acts as a pertinent supply chain for logistical supplies to infantries posted at border fronts.

To particularly develop northeast India, both countries have dedicated the India-Japan Act East Forum, which extends regions capacities to connect with Southeast Asian countries and attach northeast India to ports through Bangladesh; however, after regime change in Dhaka, the progress here may be marred.

Strategic Caricature

Japan knows that India is a trustworthy partner in the Indo-Pacific region, which acts as a counterweight to Chinese aggression and security assertiveness. Robust Indian defence architecture means a strong response to future Chinese manhandling in East & Southeast Asia. Any assistance to fortify India against its aggressors will result in the expansion of the security architecture of Japan in future years. It is an effort to create strategic kin in far lands who will solidly respond in hard times. Strengthening defence ties with India helps Japan to counterbalance China’s growing assertiveness not only in the East & South China Sea but also with those countries that may support China in conditions of armed conflict.

In this situation, the India-Japan Defence Cooperation Framework will act as a swift legal agreement to enhance military interoperability between Self Defence Forces (SDF) and Indian Armed Forces. It also enabled both countries to facilitate military-grade technology transfer and boundless co-production of defence equipment with interoperability access. It is backed by the Joint Working Group on Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation (JWG-DETC), which is assisting defence manufacturing companies of both countries to intermingle and jointly produce next-gen defence products.

Japan’s heavy investment in India’s defence sector is driven by a combination of its geopolitical compulsion, expanded security interests, deep economic benefits, and the need to balance regional power calculus amid the rising hiatus in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan knows only India will play its role assiduously to tame the dragon in coming times.

The author is a PhD scholar at the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.