New Delhi and Tokyo have confirmed the transfer of a Japanese naval ship communications antenna to India.
The NORA-50 antenna, dubbed UNICORN, is the second defense equipment export by Japan since the lifting of a ban on non-lethal defense equipment transfers in 2014.
Tokyo exported an air surveillance radar to the Philippines last year, and has announced the export of the Patriot Advanced Capability system to the US, after further easing the ban in 2023.
“The Ministers further appreciated the successful completion of the cooperation in the areas of Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV)/Robotics,” the third Japan-India 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting statement read.
“They appreciated the progress made for the transfer of Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN) and related technologies and early signing of related arrangements.”
In addition, the navies of the two countries are exploring cooperation in ship maintenance in India.
Unified Complex Radio Antenna
The Japanese government announced plans to transfer the UNICORN to India in 2022.
A trio of Japanese firms developed the antenna: NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo KK, and Yokohama Rubber.
It is fitted on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Mogami-class stealth frigates to detect missiles and drones by sensing radio waves.
It includes a stack of multiple antennas covered with a radome, reducing their radar cross section.
“UNICORN is a system that consolidates various antennas that were previously attached to multiple masts on the deck into a single support for the purpose of improving stealth,” according to Yokohama Rubber.
“In addition to its excellent stealth properties, the optimal placement of the antennas has improved the maximum detection distance of radio waves emitted from outside, and simplified the maintenance and installation process.”
