Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations,
Context
- India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for the “co-development” of UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) mast for the Indian Navy.
About
- Japan-India has signed an agreement on defense equipment and technology transfer in 2015.
- When implemented, this would be the first case of co-development / co-production of Defence Equipment between India and Japan.
What is the UNICORN mast?
- The UNICORN mast is a conical structure that houses antennas atop warships which will help improve the stealth characteristics of Naval platforms.
- The system has numerous antennas for tactical data links.
- TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation System) and communications are integrated within the mast design, reducing signature and ship-building time and saving below-deck space.
- The Indian Navy is pursuing the induction of these advanced systems which will be co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in India with Japanese collaboration.
Benefits of UNICORN mast
- Unicorn’s pathbreaking design brings improvements by way of
- Reduction of the antennas’ mutual interference,
- Reducing the ship’s overall Radar Cross Section (RCS),
- Enhancing maintainability and lightning resistance.
- At present, the Indian Navy uses the BEL-supplied Advanced Composite Communication System (ACCS), a fourth-generation voice and data integrated system for the ship’s external communication.
| Defence Cooperation between India and Japan – The year 2024 saw the first air visit by Japanese fighters to India and their participation at Tarang Shakti, the first multilateral exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force. – ‘Veer Guardian 2023’, the bilateral exercise, was conducted between the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF). – In 2024, Japanese fighter aircraft made their first air visit to India and participated in ‘Tarang Shakti,’ the first multilateral air exercise hosted by the Indian Air Force. – Andaman and Nicobar Islands development Projects: Japan has provided aid of 4.02 billion yen for the development of these islands. 1. Aimed at enhancing maritime security and infrastructure. 2. Strengthens India’s surveillance and logistical capabilities in the region. |
Concluding remarks
- India-Japan defense cooperation reflects a robust partnership based on mutual interests and strategic needs.
- The agreement with Japan will pave the way for future collaboration between the two countries on new and critical technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewables, electric mobility, and more.
Source: TH
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News In Short 16-11-2024