UNICORN MASTS

Last Updated on 18th November, 2024
4 minutes, 26 seconds

Description

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Context:

The India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation for the “co-development” of UNICORN (Unified Communication and Radar Operation Network) Masts, a structure that houses antennas atop warships aiding their stealth characteristics.

About UNICORN (Unified Communication and Radar Operation Network) Masts:

Type

State-of-the-art integrated antenna system.

Primary Function

Enhances stealth characteristics of ships by integrating communication systems into a single mast.

Developed By

Jointly developed by NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd..

Current Usage

Fitted on Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.

Design Innovation

Consolidates various antennas attached to multiple points on a conventional mast into a single radar dome (radome).

Stealth Enhancement

Reduces the cross-section of naval platforms, enhancing stealth capabilities and reducing electronic signatures.

Detection Capability

Improves maximum detection distance of radio waves from external sources.

Installation and Maintenance

Simplifies installation and maintenance processes due to the consolidation of antennas.

Operational Advantage

Allows ships to operate with reduced visibility to enemy radar and electronic surveillance, improving tactical survivability in hostile environments.

About India-Japan defense relations

Feature

Details

Defence Cooperation Overview

India and Japan have strengthened defence cooperation through high-level visits, dialogues, and agreements, enhancing bilateral relations.

Key Dialogues and Meetings

Defence Policy Dialogue and 2+2 Dialogue held in June 2018;

Annual Defence Ministerial Meeting on 2 Sep 2019;

Maiden 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue on 30 Nov 2019 in India;

Second 2+2 Dialogue in Sep 2022 in Tokyo.

Tokyo Declaration & Agreements

Tokyo Declaration for India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership (Sep 2014);

Memorandum of Defence Cooperation and Exchanges;

Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation Agreement (2015);

Security of Classified Military Information Agreement (2015).

Reciprocal Provisions Agreement

Agreement on Reciprocal Provisions of Supplies and Services between Indian Armed Forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces signed on 9 Sep 2020; operationalized during MILAN 2022.

Defence Equipment & Technology Cooperation

Joint Working Group (JWG-DETC) has held seven meetings, latest on 26 Jun 2023;

First B-to-B interaction between Indian and Japanese defense companies in Sep 2017 in Tokyo;

Second B to B forum at Aero India, Bengaluru in 2019; Amendments to “Three Principles for Transfer of Equipment and Technology” in Dec 2023 have led to further collaborations.

Industry Collaboration

EoI, Tokyo, facilitates interactions between defence companies and MSMEs of both nations for joint production and technology transfer.

Services Exchanges

Regular Staff Talks between all three Indian Services and JSDF; First Joint Services Staff Talks held in Tokyo in 2023.

Bilateral & Multilateral Naval Exercises

Indian Navy and JMSDF conduct annual bilateral exercise JIMEX; Joint participation in multilateral exercises MALABAR and MILAN.

Air Force Interactions

Indian Air Force and JASDF engage in exercise Veer Guardian and exercise Shinyuu Maitri; Participation in various multilateral exercises.

Army Engagements

Indian Army and JGSDF conduct the annual infantry exercise Dharma Guardian.

Coast Guard Cooperation

Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard conduct yearly drills focusing on pollution control and law enforcement during reciprocal ship visits.

Source:

THE HINDU 

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.India and Japan share a strong and growing defense relationship that is pivotal for the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific region. Discuss the key agreement and areas of cooperation between the two nations in the field of defense. How does this strategic partnership contribute to regional stability and India’s defense preparedness? (250 words)

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