- Rakuten Group will collaborate with German defense technology startup Helsing to bring AI-powered attack drones to the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Nikkei has learned.
- Rakuten served as the point of contact between Helsing and the Japanese government, according to a Rakuten spokesperson.
- The Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct field tests of Helsing drones through the end of September, he said, without providing further details.
Rakuten Group is set to collaborate with Helsing, a German defense technology startup, to integrate AI-powered attack drones into Japan's Self-Defense Forces. This partnership, reported by Nikkei, signifies Helsing's initial foray into the Asia-Pacific defense sector.12
As the primary liaison between Helsing and the Japanese government, Rakuten aims to facilitate the deployment of these advanced military drones. The Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct field tests of the drones through the end of September, although specific details regarding the tests remain undisclosed.3
This collaboration highlights Japan's increasing interest in enhancing its defense capabilities through innovative technology. The partnership with Helsing is particularly notable as it represents one of the first significant engagements for the German startup in the region, potentially paving the way for future defense collaborations in Asia.
The move aligns with Japan's broader strategy to modernize its military forces and adapt to evolving security challenges in the region, emphasizing the importance of technological advancements in defense operations.
“Rakuten, a Tokyo-based online shopping mall operator, acted as the intermediary between Helsing and the Japanese government. The tie-up marks one of Helsing's first partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region, according to Nikkei.”
