In a move signaling stronger Indo-Pacific alignment, India and Japan are deepening their defence partnership through advanced technology transfer and co-development initiatives. The recent high-level talks in New Delhi between Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani underscored a shared strategic vision—ensuring freedom of navigation and counterbalancing China’s growing influence in the region.
At the heart of this evolving partnership lies a proposed framework titled “Japan-India Defence Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region (JIDIP)”, which aims to unlock new levels of military collaboration.
A major highlight is Japan’s offer to share cutting-edge radar technology, particularly the co-development of the futuristic “Unicorn Mast” system—a breakthrough innovation by Mitsubishi Electric. Designed to enhance stealth capabilities and maritime situational awareness, this system represents a leap in naval warfare technology.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed to jointly develop this system, deepening ties between Japan’s defence manufacturers and India’s DRDO. This is a significant milestone, showcasing a shift from traditional supplier-recipient models to collaborative innovation.
India is also evaluating participation in Japan’s Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), which includes the UK and Italy as partners. This move could complement India’s indigenous AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) project and accelerate its fifth-generation fighter capabilities.
Additionally, India has expressed interest in Japan’s Soryu-class submarines and its sophisticated armoured vehicle manufacturing expertise. As Tokyo loosens its decades-old constraints on defence exports, both nations appear poised to collaborate more boldly in addressing regional threats and reinforcing Indo-Pacific security.
This growing synergy between Asia’s two major democracies may well shape a new strategic order—where cooperation, co-creation, and capability-sharing define the defence landscape.
