“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.”
“Because Helsing has not broken into the Japanese market yet, Rakuten will act as a point of contact and assist the startup in presenting proposals. The partners will conduct field tests of Helsing drones with the Ground Self-Defense Force.”
“Rakuten has collaborated with Ukraine on defense. In partnership with Ukrainian government agencies, Rakuten has supported forays into Japan by Ukrainian defense startups, including companies that develop drone flight control systems.”
“Helsing develops AI-equipped autonomous drones with attack capabilities. The company manufactures the aerial vehicles for Ukraine, and there are plans to supply the drones to the German military.” “Helsing is one of Europe’s largest unicorns — a term for an unlisted startup worth more than $1 billion. In July, Helsing raised $1.8 billion from investors including Goldman Sachs, bringing its valuation to $18 billion.”
“The partnership is an example of defense cooperation developing between Germany and Japan. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is due to make his first trip to Japan in late October, when he is expected to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss security in the Indo-Pacific region and drone technology, among other topics.”