India and Japan are exploring expanded defence industry collaboration, with a focus on potential joint work in tank engines, aero engines, and emerging technologies. This was discussed during a bilateral meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani in New Delhi on May 5, 2025.
Singh highlighted the Indian defence sector’s capacity in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) operations, as well as in newer areas such as automation, artificial intelligence, and cyber and space technologies. Both ministers reviewed current defence ties and agreed to scale up the scope and complexity of joint military exercises and maritime cooperation.
The discussions were part of the ongoing India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, aimed at strengthening bilateral security cooperation and exploring industrial linkages across key technology areas.
In a related development, India and Japan have recently reached an agreement involving the co-production of “Unicorn Masts” technology—an advanced naval radar system that consolidates multiple antenna functions into a single dome to reduce radar visibility. The system, developed by Japanese firms NEC Corporation, Mitsubishi Electric, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and Yokohama Rubber Co., is already deployed on Japan’s Mogami-class frigates. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will co-develop and manufacture the systems in India. This marks the first instance of co-development and co-production of defence equipment between the two countries, with the Indian Navy expected to induct the system as part of its fleet upgrade efforts.
India and Japan have been broadening defence ties amid shared concerns over regional security, with collaboration extending to joint exercises, technology development, and strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific.