Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and his Indian counterpart Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar meet on the sidelines of the July 1 meeting of Quad foreign ministers in Washington, DC. (©Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The Indo-Pacific region is at a critical juncture where technological superiority increasingly determines strategic outcomes. Against this backdrop, Japan and India are breaking through decades of constraints and traditional defense partnerships to forge an unprecedented high-technology military collaboration.
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 defense systems that will shape regional security architectures for generations.
The recent agreement on Unification Complex Radio Antenna masts technology, known as UNICORN, marks a watershed moment. This stealth-enhancing radar system, co-developed by Japan's NEC Corporation, with Bharat Electronics Limited, represents the first instance of defense equipment co-production between the two nations.
More significantly, it signals Japan's willingness to share its most advanced military technologies with India. It is a privilege extended to only one other nation in Asia, the Philippines.
The significance of this breakthrough cannot be overstated. 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. Moreover, it demonstrates Japan's recognition of India as a critical partner in maintaining Indo-Pacific stability.
An Active Defense Technology Partner
Japan's transformation from a strictly pacifist nation to an active defense technology partner has been gradual but decisive. The 2014 revision of the defense export policies under the foresighted Prime Minister Shinzo Abe initiated this shift.
But the March 2024 amendment to the "Three Principles for Transfer of Equipment and Technology" represents a quantum leap. These changes reflect Tokyo's evolving strategic calculus in response to what Defense Minister Gen Nakatani describes as "rapidly changing and increasingly uncertain regional and international circumstances."
The institutional framework supporting this cooperation has matured significantly. In May 2025, the Japan-India Defense Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific regional framework was established. It provides a structured mechanism for managing bilateral defense initiatives from a "comprehensive and integrated perspective."
This builds upon earlier milestones, including the 2015 Agreements on Defense Equipment and Technology Cooperation, the 2021 Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, and the regular 2+2 ministerial dialogues that have deepened strategic convergence.
Underwater Technology
Beyond radar systems, the potential for collaboration extends through the entire spectrum of advanced military technologies. Japan's expertise in submarine technology presents immense opportunities. The Soryu-class submarines, featuring revolutionary lithium-ion battery propulsion systems, are the pinnacle of conventional submarine technology. These 4,200-ton vessels offer unmatched stealth and endurance capabilities, surpassing both the French Scorpene submarines currently being built in India and the German Type 214.
Japan's earlier reluctance to participate in India's P-75(1) submarine program stemmed from complex technology transfer requirements and procedural challenges. However, the evolving strategic environment and liberalized export policies have reopened possibilities for future collaboration.
Aerospace Advances
The aerospace domain offers equally transformative potential. During recent meetings, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh specifically highlighted his country's capabilities and interest in collaborating on tank engines and aero engines. Japan possesses significant expertise in both areas. Also, Japanese companies have developed advanced materials, aero-structural technologies, and propulsion systems that could accelerate India's indigenous defense programs. Meanwhile, they also create synergies with Japan's own modernization efforts.
Security Exercises
Maritime security cooperation has already shown impressive progress through regular bilateral exercises. For example, the Japan-India Maritime Exercises known as JIMEX have evolved from basic interoperability drills to complex multi-dimensional operations. The annual Dharma Guardian exercises have enhanced army-to-army cooperation, while Veer Guardian and Shinyu Maitri have strengthened air force partnerships.
These exercises build the human and operational foundations essential for deeper technological collaboration.
Tackling Security Concerns
The business-to-business dimension adds another layer of sophistication to this partnership. Regular forums bringing together defense industries from both nations have identified specific areas for collaboration. These range from component manufacturing to systems integration. The involvement of Japanese Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in India's defense production ecosystem could revolutionize supply chain resilience while supporting India's "Make in India "objectives.
Yet this partnership faces real challenges that require careful focus. Japan's concerns about technology security, particularly given India's continued defense relationships with Russia, create understandable friction. The presence of Russian-origin equipment in India's arsenal, including the S-400 air defense system, raises legitimate questions about operational security for sensitive technologies.
Japanese defense officials have expressed concerns about potential intellectual property theft and maintaining a strategic advantage.
Forging an Indo-Pacific Security Architecture
The strategic logic driving this partnership, however, appears compelling enough to overcome these obstacles. Both nations face similar challenges in maintaining strategic autonomy while modernizing their defense capabilities. Neither wants excessive dependence on any single technology provider, whether Western or Russian. (Though some Japanese may not officially share the same view as this writer).
Japan possesses advanced technologies and manufacturing precision. However, it seeks to expand its defense industrial base and share development costs. India offers a large market, growing technological capabilities, and strategic depth in the Indian Ocean region.
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. 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.
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Author: Pema Gyalpo, PhD
Dr Pema Gyalpo is a Visiting Professor at the Takushoku University Center for Indo-Pacific Strategic Studies.
