Japan and India sign military agreement: “Unicorn” communication antennas sold to New Delhi — this move targets China’s maritime lifeline
On August 20, Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba held his first meeting with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, signing a Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Security Cooperation.
Ishiba stated clearly: “We will swiftly elevate Japan-India defense relations to their rightful level.” Singh revealed that Foreign and Defense Ministers’ “2+2” consultations would be held in November.
This memorandum is not merely ceremonial — each clause has clear intent:
Information sharing, joint exercises, naval port visits, logistical support. But what truly stands out are these two points: reciprocal provision of ship repair facilities; exploration of joint development of naval vessels.
In simple terms, Japanese warships will now be able to dock, refuel, and undergo repairs in India — effectively creating a de facto Japanese base in the Indian Ocean. At the same time, Japan will contribute technology and help India enhance its production capacity, aligning both nations’ defense industrial chains.
Even more direct is arms exports. The two sides agreed to expedite the export of the “Unicorn” communication antennas used on Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force frigates. Japan had just revised its defense equipment export rules in April, and by August, this was the first deal — not just a sale, but embedding Japan’s military technology standards into Indian warships. In future, Indian ships will use Japanese antennas, follow Japanese standards, and communicate seamlessly with Japanese naval units — this is known as “system interoperability.”
Additionally, Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighters will make their first-ever flight to India this year for joint military exercises.
From ship maintenance at sea to co-developing warships, from exporting communication gear to deploying fighter jets in India — Japan-India military cooperation is expanding across multiple dimensions and deepening rapidly.
Notably, the joint statement explicitly states: “Strongly oppose any unilateral actions that obstruct freedom of navigation and overflight.” This rhetoric is identical to that used in the U.S.-Japan-India-Australia “Quad” framework, clearly pointing toward the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait.
We are well aware that the Indian Ocean is the essential route for 80% of China’s oil imports. The core of this Japan-India collaboration lies precisely in establishing strategic footholds throughout the Indian Ocean. By extending its military reach into the region, and allowing India to open its ports for Japanese naval maintenance, the two countries are jointly targeting China’s most vulnerable maritime chokepoints.
In short, Japan is leveraging India’s anxiety over China’s rise to extend its own military influence into the Indian Ocean. And conveniently, India seeks to balance against China. Both sides gain what they want — while China becomes the target of their coordinated strategy.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874034758509640/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.