Rakuten, German startup Helsing test military drones for Japan
The country's Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct field tests of Helsing drones through the end of September, according to a Rakuten spokesperson.
Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten is partnering with German drone startup Helsing to help the country's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) acquire Helsing's HX-2 strike drone. The GSDF is currently testing the HX-2 as Japan looks to modernize its military and counter China's growing assertiveness. Helsing struck an initial agreement for the Japanese government to use its systems earlier this year, with Rakuten's involvement first reported by the Nikkei newspaper.
Rakuten, known for its online retail business, aims to help startups break into Japan's defense industry, where they often face barriers such as complex procurement systems and lengthy cycles. Hideaki Mukai, Rakuten's chief of staff, hopes the partnership will bridge these gaps and drive innovation in the defense sector. Japan's military spending increase and relaxed arms-export rules have attracted interest from overseas defense firms, with Rakuten previously helping a Ukrainian drone software maker demonstrate its technology to Japanese military units.
Helsing, founded in 2021, initially focused on AI software for battlefield data analysis before expanding into autonomous strike drones and other military applications. The company secured European government contracts and supplied drones to Ukraine with German funding.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
