India, Japan to jointly manufacture UNICORN naval radar system; agreement reached in Modi-Sanae Takaichi meeting

NEW DELHI: India and Japan have agreed to jointly manufacture the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) radar system, an advanced technology designed to help naval warships operate with a reduced radar signature and avoid detection by enemy radar systems. The project marks the first joint defence cooperation programme between the two countries.

The decision follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in Tokyo in 2024. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after the 16th India-Japan Annual Summit held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

With this agreement, India becomes the second Asian country after the Philippines to adopt Japanese defence technology. The project has also been brought under the Make in India initiative, with the radar system set to be manufactured domestically.

During the joint press statement, Prime Minister Modi referred to Prime Minister Takaichi as "a sister," highlighting the close ties between the two nations.

The Indian delegation included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Union Minister Suresh Gopi was also present. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Takaichi received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

What is UNICORN Radar System?

1. UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) is an advanced integrated radar and communication system that combines multiple communication antennas into a single unified platform. As it uses a single integrated antenna, it helps reduce a ship's radar signature, making it more difficult for enemy radar systems to detect. The system is also known as NORA-50.
2. The Advanced Composite Communication System (ACCS) currently used on Indian Navy warships will be gradually upgraded to the UNICORN system.
3. The technology was jointly developed by Japanese companies NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. In India, the system will be manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under the Make in India programme.