The governments of India and Japan have signed a memorandum of implementation (MOI) for the co-development of the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) mast.
The signing took place at the Embassy of India in Tokyo.
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The MOI was signed by India to Japan ambassador Sibi George, and Japan Ministry of Defence (MoD) Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency commissioner Ishikawa Takeshi.
The UNICORN mast, featuring integrated communication systems, is designed for fitment onboard Ships of Indian Navy and enhance the stealth characteristics of naval platforms.
Originally developed by NEC, Sampa Kogyo, and The Yokohama Rubber, the UNICORN mast is currently fitted on Mogami-class frigates.
In August, a joint statement was made by Japan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Japan MoD, India MoD and India Minister of External Affairs on the development.
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By GlobalDataIt noted that the four ministers “appreciated the progress made for the transfer of Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) and related technologies and early signing of related arrangements.”
Bharat Electronics will now co-develop these systems in India with Japanese collaboration, marking the first instance of co-development of defence equipment between India and Japan.
Besides, the Indian Navy held a ‘keel laying’ ceremony for the first of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) at Hindustan Shipyard in Visakhapatnam.
The Indian Navy had signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard in August 2023 for the acquisition of these ships, which are scheduled for delivery starting mid-2027.
The FSS, each with a displacement of more than 40,000 tonnes, is expected to enhance the Indian Navy’s ‘Blue Water’ capabilities by replenishing fleet ships at sea.
These ships will carry fuel, water, ammunition, and stores, enabling prolonged operations without returning to harbour.
Additionally, the ships will be equipped for humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, enabling personnel evacuation in emergencies and the quick delivery of relief supplies during natural calamities.
