India and Japan share a strong history of collaboration, further deepened through their Quad membership. Recent advancements in defence and space cooperation, including joint military exercises, technology transfers, and space exploration, highlight their strategic partnership. Together, they aim to enhance regional security, technological innovation, and global leadership in space governance. The recent signing of MOU between Bharat Electronics Ltd and Mitsubishi Electric underscores  a shared vision of regional security and technological innovation, cementing their roles as key players in global defence and space governance.

India and Japan share a strong strategic partnership, bolstered by their shared Indo-Pacific security interests and mutual focus on technology collaboration. In defence, the two nations conduct joint military exercises like Dharma Guardian and Veer Guardian to enhance interoperability. They are also collaborating on advanced technology projects, such as the co-development of military equipment, including Japan’s UNICORN mast technology, which is being transferred to India for naval applications. Mitsubishi Electric and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) are exploring joint opportunities in defence electronics.

In space, the partnership is equally robust, with ISRO and JAXA collaborating on the LUPEX mission to explore the Moon’s south pole. India and Japan also work together on tackling space debris through laser-equipped satellites and advancing geospatial industry cooperation.

Military Cooperation

             2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.  In August 2024, India and Japan held their third ‘2+2’ Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting in New Delhi, underscoring the importance of defence cooperation as a pillar of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership. The ministers agreed to accelerate collaboration in defence equipment and technology, including the co-development of military hardware. Notably, they discussed the transfer of Japan’s UNICORN mast technology to enhance the stealth capabilities of Indian Navy warships. This is the first military technology developed by the Japanese private sector which is being shared with India.

             Joint Military Exercises.  The two countries have conducted several bilateral military exercises to enhance interoperability. In 2023, all three branches of their armed forces participated in joint drills, including the inaugural ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ air  exercise at Japan’s Hyakuri Air Base. Additionally, the ‘Dharma Guardian 2024’ exercise further strengthened army-to-army cooperation.

             Mitsubishi and BEL. Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric is currently in the process of collaborating with BEL, India, in several military technologies.

Collaboration in the Space Domain

             Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) Mission. The  Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are collaborating on the LUPEX mission, aiming to send a lander and rover to the Moon’s south pole around 2024. This mission signifies a significant step in joint space exploration efforts.

             Space Industry Collaboration. In March 2024, the India-Japan Space Industry Day was held in Ahmedabad, fostering collaboration between space industries of both nations. The event aimed to strengthen business cooperation in the geospatial sector, with the potential to grow India-Japan geospatial trade to $10 billion by 2030.

             Addressing Space Debris. In December 2024, Japanese startup Orbital Lasers and Indian company InspeCity announced a collaboration to study the use of laser-equipped satellites to tackle space debris, addressing the growing problem of orbital congestion and enhancing the sustainability of space activities.

Mitsubishi Electric’s Role in Space and Defence in India

Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO) is a global leader in defence and aerospace, offering advanced technology solutions for military and space applications. In India, MELCO works with ISRO in the space sector, providing cutting-edge technology. It is also supporting the Indian armed forces with high-tech solutions for defence projects, especially in the growing field of defence electronics.

MELCO’s defence electronics offerings include radar systems, anti-drone systems, electronic warfare equipment, and communication systems. These products are tailored to meet the needs of modern militaries. The Indian armed forces stand to gain significantly, especially with MELCO’s focus on transferring technology and promoting local manufacturing.

The company is actively collaborating with Indian businesses to jointly develop and manufacture defence electronics. This initiative aims to share advanced technologies and build a strong defence manufacturing ecosystem in India. MELCO also plans to work with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to create advanced solutions for defence and aerospace needs.

One of MELCO’s key technologies is its Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based TR devices and modules, which are essential components of modern radars and communication systems.

In Japan, MELCO is a leading defence manufacturer, supplying high-quality equipment to the Japanese Ministry of Defence for over 50 years. Its products are known for their reliability and advanced capabilities, demonstrated through their use in Japan’s military operations.

To keep up with changing security challenges, MELCO invests in research and development in areas like sensors, electronic warfare, hypersonic glide vehicle countermeasures, and space technologies. These efforts aim to deliver innovative solutions that meet the demanding needs of their customers.

MELCO operates under Japan’s “Three Principles on the Transfer of Defence Equipment” (2014), which guides its contributions to national security by enhancing deterrence. The company collaborates with the Japanese government for joint development, equipment transfer, and partnerships with other countries. In 2020, MELCO became the first Japanese company to export defence equipment successfully to an international customer.

Since the 1960s, MELCO has been a major supplier of advanced electronic systems to Japan’s Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defence Forces, helping ensure the country’s safety and security.

BEL, MELCO, MEMCO MOU for Collaboration in Defence and Space

On November 07, 2024, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and MEMCO Associates (India) Private Limited to explore joint business opportunities in the defence and space sectors.

Key Aspects of the MOU

             Collaborative Focus. The partnership aims to identify and develop opportunities for manufacturing and supplying customized components for defence and space products. This includes modules for shipborne and airborne radars, electronic warfare systems, and space situational awareness systems.

             Strategic Objectives. The collaboration seeks to optimize the structure and business model to establish a cooperative relationship, leveraging the expertise of each organization to enhance capabilities in defence and space technology.

About the Organisations

             Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO).  A Tokyo-based multinational company with a significant role in Japan’s national security and defence industry, focusing on advanced technology to strengthen deterrence capabilities.

             Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). A leading manufacturer of defence electronics and public systems under the Indian Ministry of Defence, specializing in the design, development, and production of radar and weapon systems, communication systems, electronic warfare, avionics, and more.

             MEMCO Associates (India) Private Limited.  A Bengaluru-based marketing and contract representative of Mitsubishi Electric in India, with a history of collaboration spanning over 40 years in various domains, including rolling stock, telecommunications equipment, security systems, and power systems. The company operates across multiple sectors, including Rolling Stock, Defence, and Space.  In the Defence sector, MEMCO serves as Mitsubishi Electric’s trusted representative in India, assisting in identifying Indian defence players for manufacturing, sales, and technology transfer, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Within the Space sector, MEMCO has been Mitsubishi Electric’s sales and marketing representative in India since 1987, contributing to various Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) missions, including the INSAT and GSAT series.

The MOU reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan, emphasizing collaboration in critical sectors like defence and space to enhance technological capabilities and address shared security challenges.

Space Situational Awareness

Space Situational Awareness (SSA) refers to the ability to detect, track, and predict the movement of objects in Earth’s orbit. These include active satellites, space debris, and potential threats like hostile spacecraft. SSA is critical for ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of space operations, as space congestion and debris have become significant challenges. Applications of SSA include:-

• Protecting satellites and the International Space Station (ISS) from collisions.
• Supporting national security by monitoring space-based threats.
• Enabling safe satellite launches and de-orbiting operations.
• Enhancing global efforts in debris mitigation and sustainable space use.

Japan has significantly advanced its Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities to monitor and protect its space assets. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has developed an SSA system that includes radar and optical telescopes to detect and track space debris and other objects. This system enhances Japan’s ability to maintain the safety of its satellites and contributes to global space security efforts.  In the defence sector, the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) established the Space Operations Squadron in 2020, stationed at Fuchu Air Base. This unit is responsible for operating the SSA system, monitoring space debris, and identifying potential threats to Japanese satellites.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) plays a crucial role in Japan’s SSA initiatives. As a leading defence and space company, MELCO has been a major supplier of electronic systems to the Japanese Self-Defence Forces since the 1960s. Their expertise includes the development of advanced radar systems and space technologies that are integral to SSA operations.

Additionally, MELCO has engaged in international collaborations to enhance SSA capabilities. In 2023, MELCO partnered with Astroscale to develop and produce satellite buses designed for on-orbit servicing missions, including space debris removal and in-situ space situational awareness. This collaboration aims to address the growing concern of space debris and ensure the sustainability of space activities.  Through these efforts, Japan, with contributions from companies like Mitsubishi Electric, continues to strengthen its SSA capabilities, ensuring the safety and security of its space assets and contributing to international space security initiatives.

It makes strategic and practical sense for India and Japan to become allies in Space Situational Awareness (SSA) for several reasons. These are:-

             Shared Regional Security Goals. Both countries are situated in the Indo-Pacific region, which has growing geopolitical and security challenges. With the rise of space capabilities in the region, India and Japan share a common interest in monitoring and safeguarding their space assets.

             Complementary Capabilities. Both the countries have developed capabilities which can complement each others’ efforts and result in an effective shared SSA project.

o             The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has advanced capabilities in radar and optical telescopes, including its Indigenous SSA Program under the Directorate of Space Situational Awareness and Management (DSSAM). India is also building an SSA-focused radar in Uttarakhand, capable of tracking small debris in geostationary orbits.

o             Japan, with its Space Operations Squadron and advanced radar systems developed by Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO), has strong capabilities in detecting, tracking, and cataloguing space debris. Japan also has a head start in space debris mitigation technology.

             Mutual Benefit.  Collaborating on SSA could allow both countries to pool resources, share real-time data, and avoid duplication of effort.

             Defence Alignment. Both nations are Quad members and share a focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure in space, including satellites used for navigation, communication, and reconnaissance.

             Space Debris Mitigation. Joint research and development in debris removal and SSA technologies can strengthen both nations’ contributions to global space safety.

             Technological Synergy. India has expertise in satellite launches and low-cost innovations, while Japan excels in high-precision instruments and advanced technology (e.g., Gallium Nitride-based radar modules developed by MELCO, and Indian giant like BEL possess the necessary skills and technologies to make in India). Working together could yield cost-effective and advanced SSA systems.

             Global Leadership and Rule-Making. As space becomes increasingly congested, collaboration between India and Japan would enhance their influence in setting international norms for space traffic management and debris mitigation. Through partnerships like the Artemis Accords, India and Japan could jointly advocate for responsible behaviour in space.

An alliance between India and Japan in SSA, powered by industrial giants like BEL and MELCO, thus, is a natural progression of their growing strategic partnership. It would not only enhance their space security but also position them as key players in the global space governance landscape. To move forward, both nations should establish formal agreements, initiate joint projects, and align their SSA strategies within frameworks like the Quad Space Working Group.