Law Enforcement

Helsing partners with Rakuten as Japan tests HX-2 strike drone

The Tokyo e-commerce group is helping the German defence technology company pursue a Japanese military deal while the Ground Self-Defense Force trials its drone.

Japan’s rising defence spending and relaxed export rules have drawn overseas manufacturers to the market.

By Gun Trade World 10 October 2026

German defence technology company Helsing has appointed Rakuten as its local partner while Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force evaluates the HX-2 strike drone.

The tests are scheduled to run until the end of September as Japan continues to modernise its armed forces amid rising regional security concerns.

Rakuten confirmed that it is helping Helsing pursue a potential agreement with the Japanese military. Helsing said it had reached an initial agreement earlier this year for the Japanese government to use its systems, with support from an unnamed local brokerage partner.

Tokyo-based Rakuten, best known for its e-commerce and financial-services businesses, is seeking to help more technology start-ups enter Japan’s defence market. The company says it can assist businesses navigating government procurement processes and engagement with public-sector customers.

Japan’s increased defence spending and recently relaxed arms-export rules have drawn growing interest from overseas manufacturers. Rakuten has previously supported demonstrations in Japan by Ukrainian drone software company Swarmer, including a test involving AI-enabled coordination of a drone swarm.

Founded in Munich in 2021, Helsing initially developed artificial-intelligence software for battlefield data analysis before expanding into autonomous strike drones, underwater surveillance systems and military aircraft applications. The company has secured contracts with European governments and defence companies, and supplies drones to Ukraine with German government backing.

Helsing raised $1.8 billion in July, valuing the company at $18 billion.

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