German drone maker Helsing enlists Rakuten to broker Japan military deal

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force is currently ​testing Helsing's HX-2 strike drone, as Tokyo looks to modernize its military and counter ‌an increasingly ‌assertive China.

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Rakuten Group Inc. will partner with Helsing, a German interceptor drone start-up, to help the defense artificial intelligence compan

German drone maker Helsing enlists Rakuten to broker Japan military deal  Reuters

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 col

The Defense Ministry posted an image on its social media accounts showing several Shahed drones in flight, captioned “Like snow on your head.” “This winter, you’ll get a ‘freeze,’” the post said.