SOURCE: AFI
With Japan loosening its grip on defense exports, a new chapter in India-Japan military collaboration could be underway. While the first potential sale might be a “Unicorn” naval stealth antenna for Indian warships under a technology transfer agreement, India’s true interest lies deeper – in acquiring expertise for its ambitious 12-ship diesel-electric submarine Project-76 program.
Sources at idrw.org report India’s keenness on specific Japanese submarine technologies, particularly material and battery management systems. These are crucial for the silent and efficient operation of submarines, areas where Japan boasts a world-class reputation.
This newfound openness to collaboration stems from a shared strategic concern – China’s growing naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. Both India and Japan view a stronger military partnership as a counterweight to this expansion, particularly in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean Region.
However, this path won’t be entirely smooth. In 2015, India expressed interest in acquiring the advanced Soryu-class submarines from Japan under Project-75I. Back then, Japan’s strict export controls and concerns about sharing sensitive technology nixed the deal.
This time, however, the winds seem to be changing. Japan’s willingness to consider technology transfer suggests a strategic shift, prioritizing regional stability through stronger defense ties with India. Whether India can secure the specific know-how it desires remains to be seen, but the deepening partnership undoubtedly marks a significant development in Indo-Japanese security cooperation.