BERLIN / TOKYO (Realist English). German defence AI developer Helsing has entered into a partnership with Japanese internet and financial conglomerate Rakuten to promote its strike drones in the Japanese market.
Japan’s Ground Self‑Defence Forces have already begun testing the HX‑2 unmanned system, with trials scheduled to continue until the end of September.
This marks the first major entry of a European defence startup into the Asian market through a local partner – a model that could become the new norm for foreign companies seeking to break into Japan’s closed defence industry.
Rakuten as a ‘Trojan horse’ for European startups
Rakuten, best known as the operator of Japan’s largest online shopping platform, will act as a bridge between Helsing and Japan’s defence ministry. For Helsing, this is one of its first partnership projects in the Asia‑Pacific region.
As Hideaki Mukai, Chief of Staff to Rakuten’s CEO, explained, the company aims to help startups overcome “structural barriers” to Japan’s defence industry – complex procurement systems, bureaucratic procedures and difficulties communicating with government agencies.
Rakuten has limited experience in the defence sector, but has already participated in demonstrations of Ukrainian drone software Swarmer for Japanese military personnel and assisted Ukrainian defence companies at arms exhibitions in Japan.
Now Rakuten is betting on Helsing – and this could be the beginning of a new cooperation model.
HX-2: strike drone being tested in Japan
Japan’s Ground Self‑Defence Forces are testing the Helsing HX‑2 strike drone. A procurement decision is expected following the trials, which will conclude at the end of September. Specific volumes and delivery timelines have not yet been determined.
According to Kyodo, the drones are planned for use in anti‑landing operations in coastal areas. Helsing had previously signed a “preliminary agreement” with the Japanese government on the use of its systems.
| Parameter | Details |
| System | Helsing HX-2 (strike drone) |
| Customer | Japan Ground Self‑Defence Forces |
| Trial period | Until the end of September 2026 |
| Planned use | Anti‑landing operations, coastal areas |
| Previous stage | “Preliminary agreement” with the Japanese government |
Localisation of production – the next step
Rakuten is considering the possibility of organising mass production of Helsing drones directly in Japan. This could be an important step in the development of Japan’s defence industry and reduce dependence on imports.
As Nikkei notes, the partnership with Helsing could expand to joint production of autonomous equipment. Rakuten aims to turn startup support into a new revenue stream.
Growing market and foreign interest
The Helsing‑Rakuten cooperation comes amid a sharp increase in Japan’s military spending and the liberalisation of arms export rules. This makes the Japanese market highly attractive to foreign defence companies seeking local partners.
Helsing, founded in 2021, began by developing AI software for battlefield data analysis, then expanded into autonomous strike drones, underwater surveillance systems and military aviation. The company already supplies drones to Ukraine with the support of the German government, and in July 2026 raised $1.8 billion in a funding round, becoming the best‑capitalised defence startup in Europe.
The Helsing‑Rakuten partnership demonstrates a new model for penetrating Japan’s closed defence market. For Helsing, it is an opportunity to establish a foothold in the Asia‑Pacific region. For Rakuten, it is business diversification and entry into a promising industry. For Japan, it is access to advanced European technology and potential local production.
The question is whether the partnership with Rakuten will mark the beginning of a large‑scale Helsing presence in Japan – or remain a niche experiment. The answer will come from the results of the HX‑2 trials and the procurement decision by Japan’s Ministry of Defence.
