German defense technology firm Helsing has partnered with Japanese e-commerce and financial conglomerate Rakuten to finalize a supply agreement for its unmanned systems with Japan’s military. Under the arrangement, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Forces are conducting field evaluations of Helsing’s HX-2 strike drone through the end of September. The Munich-based defense startup reached an initial agreement with the Japanese government earlier this year through a local brokerage partner as Tokyo accelerates efforts to modernize its armed forces and counter regional threats.
Rakuten is leveraging its corporate presence to help foreign technology startups navigate Japan’s complex defense procurement cycles and government communication channels. As reported by Reuters, the Tokyo-based conglomerate previously assisted Ukrainian autonomous software developer Swarmer in conducting AI drone swarm demonstrations for Japanese military units. Rakuten executives noted that bridging structural barriers for defense tech startups allows cutting-edge autonomous systems to address government operational requirements while driving domestic defense industry innovation.
Founded in 2021, Helsing specializes in AI software for battlefield data integration, autonomous strike platforms, and underwater surveillance systems. The European defense company has secured multiple government contracts across Europe, provided German-funded drones to Ukraine, and raised $1.8 billion in funding. Rising defense expenditure and relaxed arms export regulations in Japan have driven increased interest from global defense contractors seeking local partners to enter the country’s expanding defense market.
