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At the 16th India–Japan Annual Summit held in New Delhi (July 2026), India and Japan announced their first-ever joint defence co-development project to manufacture the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) Mast for the Indian Navy. The project follows the Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) signed between the two countries in 2024 for the co-development of the system.

About UNICORN Mast

The UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) Mast, also known as NORA-50, is a next-generation integrated communication and radar mast designed for modern naval warships. Developed by Japan, it combines multiple communication systems and radar antennas into a single integrated mast, replacing the conventional arrangement of several externally mounted antennas.

This integrated design significantly reduces the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of a warship, thereby improving its stealth capabilities, survivability, and operational effectiveness in modern maritime warfare. The system also provides secure, high-performance communication and supports network-centric naval operations in electronically contested environments.

Key Features

The UNICORN mast incorporates advanced stealth antenna technology and offers several operational advantages:

• Integrates multiple communication and radar antennas into a single mast.
• Reduces the Radar Cross Section (RCS), enhancing stealth.
• Improves secure voice and data communication.
• Minimises electromagnetic interference between communication systems.
• Enhances survivability and tactical evasion capabilities during naval operations.
• Supports advanced network-centric and digitally integrated warfare.

India–Japan Defence Collaboration

The project marks a major milestone in India–Japan defence cooperation, as it is the first joint defence manufacturing initiative between the two countries. Under the collaboration:

• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will manufacture the UNICORN mast in India.
• Japanese partners will provide advanced design and technological expertise.
• India will undertake system integration, production, and installation on future Indian Navy warships.

The initiative also makes India the second Asian country, after the Philippines, to receive Japanese defence technology.

Significance for India

The project aligns closely with the 'Make in India' and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives by strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing and promoting technology transfer. The UNICORN mast is expected to gradually replace the Indian Navy's existing Advanced Composite Communication System (ACCS)-based external communication infrastructure with a more secure and stealth-oriented integrated system.

Strategically, the project enhances India's maritime domain awareness, strengthens naval operational capability, and deepens defence-industrial cooperation with Japan. It also reflects the growing strategic convergence between the two countries in promoting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, while contributing to regional maritime security and technological self-reliance.