German drone maker Helsing enlists Rakuten to broker Japan military deal
20:16 · August 17, 2026 · Defense News
German drone maker Helsing has enlisted Japanese e-commerce and finance firm Rakuten to help finalize a deal to sell its unmanned systems to Japan’s army.
Summary
German defense technology company Helsing has turned to Japanese conglomerate Rakuten to advance a potential sale of its HX-2 autonomous strike drones to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces. The Munich-based startup, founded in 2021, began with artificial intelligence tools for processing battlefield sensor data and later moved into unmanned aerial systems, underwater surveillance platforms and related aircraft applications. Field tests of the HX-2 are under way and scheduled to conclude by the end of September, as Japan accelerates military modernization amid regional security concerns.
Rakuten’s role centers on bridging structural obstacles that often hinder foreign startups in Japan’s defense procurement process, including lengthy approval cycles and limited direct access to government agencies. The Tokyo firm, which has previously arranged demonstrations for Ukrainian drone software companies, confirmed an initial agreement between Helsing and Japanese authorities earlier this year. Rakuten executives have stated that greater involvement of technology startups could strengthen national capabilities by introducing advanced systems more rapidly.
Helsing has already secured European government contracts and supplied drones to Ukraine with German state backing. Its July funding round of $1.8 billion positions it as Europe’s largest defense technology startup by capital raised. The current effort in Japan coincides with Tokyo’s increased defense budget and recent relaxation of arms-export regulations, both of which have drawn interest from overseas suppliers seeking local partners.
Why it matters
This article is highly relevant as it highlights the global expansion and market dominance of Helsing, Europe's leading defense AI startup. Defense professionals and strategists in the Netherlands must monitor these developments to understand the evolving landscape of autonomous systems, drone swarm coordination, and international defense procurement.
