Japan's Rakuten to partner with German AI defense drone startup

Aerospace & Defense IndustriesCollaboration with Helsing could expand into Japanese production of autonomous equipmentRakuten looks to turn startup support into a major revenue driver. (Photo by Mayumi Tsumita)KOSUKE TOSHI, TAKAHIRO YAMAMOTO and RYOTA OGATAAugust 17, 2026 11:44 JSTBERLIN/TOKYO -- Rakuten Group will collaborate with German defense technology startup Helsing to bring AI-powered attack drones to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Nikkei has learned.Read NextAerospace & Defense IndustriesJapanese startups rush into defense dronesDefenseJapan weighs use of Palantir, Anduril AI systems for defense forcesAerospace & Defense IndustriesAnduril, other drone makers eye Japanese tech in global expansionChina techChinese drone exports take off in Southeast Asia, other emerging marketsDe