Japan and India are charting a bold new course in defence collaboration, transcending traditional partnerships to forge a high-technology military alliance that could reshape regional security dynamics. This strategic shift, highlighted in a recent report by the Tokyo-based Japan Forward Association, underscores a growing recognition of technological superiority as the cornerstone of modern defence strategies.
“The Indo-Pacific region is at a critical juncture where technological superiority increasingly determines strategic outcomes,” wrote Pema Gyalpo, a visiting professor at the Takushoku University Centre for Indo-Pacific Strategic Studies. “This evolving relationship transcends conventional arms trade. It represents a fundamental reimagining of how two major democracies can jointly develop, produce, and deploy cutting-edge defence systems that will shape regional security architectures for generations.”
The foundation of this collaboration was laid in 2014 when Japan and India elevated their partnership to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Since then, defence exchanges have intensified, driven by a shared vision for peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific. A pivotal moment in this deepening cooperation came on November 15, 2024, when the two nations signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MOI) for the co-development of the Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) mast, a stealth-enhancing communication system for naval platforms.
“The significance of this breakthrough cannot be overstated,” the Japan Forward report noted. “Japan’s decision to share this advanced stealth technology, currently deployed on its cutting-edge Mogami-class frigates, positions India as only the second Asian nation, after the Philippines, to receive such high-grade defense equipment from Tokyo. This selective technology transfer underscores the strategic trust between the two nations.”
The UNICORN mast, co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in India with Japanese collaboration, marks the first instance of co-development of defence equipment between the two countries. This initiative is poised to enhance the stealth capabilities of Indian naval vessels, a critical advantage in modern maritime warfare.
Beyond radar systems, the potential for collaboration extends across the entire spectrum of advanced military technologies. Japan’s expertise in submarine technology, particularly its Soryu-class submarines equipped with lithium-ion battery propulsion systems, presents a compelling opportunity for joint development. These submarines, boasting unmatched stealth and endurance, surpass both the French Scorpene submarines currently being built in India and the German Type 214 submarines.
“The Japan-India high tech defense partnership embodies a vision for an indigenous Indo-Pacific security architecture built on shared democratic values and mutual strategic interests,” Gyalpo emphasized. “This partnership offers both nations a pathway to advanced capabilities while maintaining strategic autonomy. The UNICORN masts agreement may be just the beginning, but it signals a transformation that could redefine regional security dynamics for decades to come.”
This collaboration is not merely about technology transfer; it represents a strategic alignment that leverages Japan’s advanced technologies and manufacturing precision with India’s growing technological capabilities and strategic depth in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). By pooling resources and expertise, both nations are positioning themselves to lead in the development of next-generation defence systems, ensuring their collective security and influence in the Indo-Pacific.
As Japan and India continue to deepen their defence ties, the implications for regional security are profound. This partnership could set a precedent for future collaborations, fostering a more integrated and resilient defence framework in the Indo-Pacific. The UNICORN mast agreement is just the beginning, but it signals a transformative shift that could redefine the strategic landscape for generations to come.
