Tokyo, Aug. 17 (Jiji Press)–Rakuten Group Inc. is set to partner with German military drone startup Helsing SE, it was learned Monday. The major Japanese e-commerce and mobile phone operator will act as Helsing’s point of contact in the Japanese market. Specifically, Rakuten will support the delivery of the Munich-based firm’s HX-2 attack drones to Japan’s Defense Ministry. Helsing drones can be remote-controlled from land to prevent submarines and other maritime threats from approaching coastlines. The Japanese ministry is set to conduct a test of Helsing drones through the end of next month to consider whether to introduce them for the Ground Self-Defense Force, according to Rakuten officials. Depending on the outcome of the test, Helsing may consider mass production in Japan, although the exact uses and the scale of procurement by the ministry have yet to be known, the officials said. Helsing has delivered thousands of HX-2 drones to Ukraine, which is being invaded by Russia. As the German startup has little track record in Japan, Rakuten, which has ties with the ministry, is seen as serving as an intermediary. Rakuten, which has its own drone business, mainly handles drones for surveying and inspecting exterior walls of buildings, not drones for defense applications. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
Rakuten to Partner with German Military Drone Startup
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