Helsing and Rakuten Japan drone deal
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 17, 2026
The partnership signals growing international defense collaboration and could boost Helsingborg's market position in Asia, while Rakuten's entry into defense brokerage may open new revenue streams. Japan's increased defense spending and eased export rules create opportunities for foreign defense firms, potentially impacting the defense sector and related technology stocks.
German defense technology startup Helsingborg has enlisted Japanese e-commerce and finance firm Rakuten to help finalize a deal to sell its unmanned systems, including the HX-2 strike drone, to Japan's Japan — Japan Self-Defense Forces. The Japanese military is currently testing the HX-2 drone, with field tests running until the end of September. Helsingborg had earlier struck an initial agreement with the Japanese government, facilitated by an unnamed local brokerage partner. Rakuten aims to help startups overcome structural barriers in Japan's defense industry, leveraging its experience to connect cutting-edge technologies with government needs. This move comes amid Japan's military spending surge and easing of arms-export rules, attracting global defense firms. Rakuten has also helped Ukrainian drone software maker Swarmer demonstrate its technology to Japan's military. Helsingborg, founded in 2021, has expanded from AI software to autonomous strike drones and other military applications, securing contracts with European governments and supplying drones to Ukraine with German funding. The company raised $1.8 billion in July, becoming Europe's best-funded defense tech startup.
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