India and Japan are accelerating defence industrial collaboration, with Japan offering to transfer full design and production rights for its Mogami-class stealth frigates under India’s Make in India framework. This follows the recent co-production agreement for the Naval Radio Antenna “UNICORN” during Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi’s New Delhi visit.
Strategic Defence Dialogue in Tokyo
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met Japanese Vice Minister Kano Koji in Tokyo to review progress in bilateral defence ties, including military exchanges, maritime cooperation, and technology sharing. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, emphasizing regular high-level exchanges.
Discussions covered emerging domains like cyber security, space, and defence innovation, alongside preparations for upcoming 2+2 ministerial talks. The delegations underscored shared concerns over regional security, reiterating support for a free and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Japan’s Defence Manufacturing Push
Japan’s focus on expanding defence manufacturing—including mass drone production—aligns with its strategic pivot amid tensions with China. The offer to localize Mogami-class frigate production signals deeper industrial ties, leveraging India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The dialogue highlighted steady growth in defence cooperation, from joint exercises to equipment collaboration, with both nations prioritizing practical outcomes in the Indo-Pacific.
