Japan's Rakuten Group is partnering with German defence technology company Helsing to support the supply of interceptor drones to Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces. The partnership also explores domestic production as Japan expands its defence drone capabilities.
Japanese technology conglomerate Rakuten Group is partnering with German defence technology startup Helsing to support the supply of unmanned drones to Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces (GSDF). The partnership marks Rakuten's first involvement in drones designed for military applications.
Rakuten will act as Helsing's local liaison in Japan, helping the German company navigate the country's defence procurement system and government processes. The Japanese company is also considering the possibility of producing the drones domestically as it seeks to expand its presence in the country's growing defence technology market.
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Helsing, founded in 2021 and headquartered in Munich, develops artificial intelligence systems for defence applications, including autonomous drone operations. Its technology is being incorporated into unmanned systems designed for military missions and aerial threat interception.
Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces are currently conducting demonstration tests of Helsing's HX-2 drone, with trials expected to continue through the end of September. A decision on potential adoption is expected after the testing process. The number of systems and their specific deployment have not yet been determined.
The drones are being considered partly for anti-landing operations in coastal areas, reflecting Japan's growing focus on unmanned systems as part of its broader defence modernisation efforts.
Rakuten's involvement also highlights the growing role of technology companies in Japan's defence sector. The company has previously supported demonstrations involving AI-controlled drone technology and has sought to help overseas defence startups establish connections with Japanese military institutions.
The partnership comes as Japan increases spending on defence technology and seeks to strengthen its capabilities in drones, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Overseas defence companies are also showing greater interest in the Japanese market as Tokyo works to modernise its Self-Defense Forces.
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For Helsing, cooperation with Rakuten provides a local partner with experience in Japan's technology and business ecosystem. For Rakuten, the initiative offers an opportunity to enter a new market while connecting international defence technologies with Japanese requirements.
The development reflects Japan's broader shift towards AI-enabled and autonomous defence technologies, with drones expected to play an increasingly important role in surveillance, threat response and coastal security.