Helsing Japan Military Deal: Rakuten Helps German Drone Firm Expand Into Japan

Helsing Japan Military Deal: Japan is pressing on with trials of a German-made strike drone as foreign defense technology companies look for chances in the country’s growing military sector. Helsing, a Munich-based defense technology startup, has partnered with Rakuten, a Japanese technology and financial services giant, to explore a prospective agreement with the Japanese military.

The discovery comes as Japan continues to improve its defense capabilities and modernize its military forces. Following increased military spending and modifications to legislation controlling arms exports, the country has also drawn increased interest from international defense businesses.

Helsing Japan Military Deal Enters Testing Phase

Japan’s ground self-defense forces are conducting tests. According to a Rakuten representative, field trials for Helsing’s HX-2 strike drone are slated to continue until the end of September.

Helsing announced earlier this year that it and the Japanese government had struck a “initial agreement” to use its technology. At the time, the corporation did not name its local brokerage partner. A spokesman for Rakuten has acknowledged the company’s involvement in the transaction.

The Japanese military’s HX-2 testing is part of Tokyo’s larger drive to improve its defense capabilities. Japan is particularly concerned with responding to rising regional security threats, including an increasingly assertive China.

When the article was released, Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Forces did not reply promptly to a request for comment.

Why Rakuten Is Supporting the Helsing Japan Military Deal

Rakuten has no experience in the defense sector, but the business says it wants to help developing technology companies penetrate Japan’s military market.

Hideaki Mukai, chief of staff to Rakuten CEO Hiroshi “Mickey” Mikitani, believes that increased startup engagement could assist Japan’s defense industry. He cited hurdles that smaller businesses experience, such as cumbersome procurement procedures, communication issues with government agencies, and long purchase cycles.

Mukai stated that Rakuten intends to use its commercial knowledge to connect startups and sophisticated technology with the needs of Japanese government organizations. The corporation sees this as a method to foster innovation in Japan’s defense industry.

Rakuten’s participation with Helsing was first revealed by Japan’s Nikkei newspaper.

Overseas Defence Companies Eye Japan

Japan’s rising defense budget and the relaxation of some arms-export restrictions have made the country more appealing to multinational defense corporations. Many international companies are looking for Japanese partners to help them negotiate the local market and government procurement procedures.

Rakuten has previously cooperated with another drone technology startup. Earlier this year, it assisted U.S.-listed Ukrainian drone software developer Swarmer in organizing a demonstration for a Japanese military unit. The April demonstration included software for coordinating groups of drones during a search-and-strike mission.

The corporation has also helped Ukrainian defense companies gain visibility in Japan. Rakuten founder Hiroshi Mikitani has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, and his company has assisted other Ukrainian defense firms in displaying their weapons at Japanese arms shows.

Helsing’s Growing Defence Technology Business

Helsing was founded in 2021 and initially focused on artificial intelligence software capable of analyzing battlefield data. It later evolved to include autonomous strike drones, underwater surveillance technology, and military aircraft applications.

The company has received contracts from European governments and defense industries, and it has provided drones to Ukraine with financial assistance from the German government.

In July 2026, Helsing raised $1.8 billion in a funding round, cementing its status as one of Europe’s best-funded defense technology businesses.

The possible Japanese agreement allows Helsing to grow its foothold in Asia while Japan continues to seek modern technology for its defense forces.