Rakuten Group has finalized plans to serve as the sales channel for interceptor drones and aims to deliver them to the Ministry of Defense in partnership with Germany's Helsing. Field tests are under way, and the possibility of future domestic production has also been raised.
Interviews with people familiar with the matter have revealed that Rakuten Group is moving to serve as the sales channel for interceptor drones.
A plan has emerged to partner with the German startup Helsing and aim to deliver the drones to the Ministry of Defense. Helsing develops AI-powered, autonomously operated drones.
As the Ministry of Defense seeks to strengthen defenses in island areas, including the Nansei Islands, the drones intended for delivery are said to be capable of preventing enemy forces approaching coastal areas from landing. Rakuten's support is expected in this effort.
The Ministry of Defense has already begun field tests to verify the drones' performance, and domestic production is reportedly also being considered for the future.