What is Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN)?

Why in News?

• It is India’s first military technology transfer pact with Japan.
• The pact came nine years after New Delhi and Tokyo signed an agreement on the “transfer of defence equipment and technology” to deepen the strategic ties between the two nations.
• The stealth mast was one of the key Japanese military technologies that the Indian Navy was eyeing at besides US-2 amphibian aircraft.

About Unified Complex Radio Antenna (UNICORN):

• It is a state-of-the-art integrated antenna system.
• It is a mast with integrated communication systems that help improve the stealth characteristics of ships.
• Developed jointly by three Japanese companies (NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.), these antennas are currently fitted on Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence force.
• Unlike the conventional masts, UNICORN consolidates various antennas that are attached to multiple points on a mast into a single radar dome, known as a radome.
  • This innovation significantly reduces the cross-section of naval platforms, thereby enhancing their stealth characteristics and enabling them to operate with reduced electronic signatures. 
• In addition, the optimal placement of the antennas improves the maximum detection distance of radio waves emitted from outside and simplifies maintenance and installation processes.

Q1: What is an Antenna?

An antenna is a specialized transducer that converts electric current into electromagnetic (EM) waves or vice versa. Antennas are used to transmit and receive non ionizing EM fields, which include radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation (IR) and visible light.

News: India, Japan sign agreement for UNICORN masts for Indian naval warships