Rakuten Group is partnering with German defense startup Helsing to consider introducing attack drones for the Ground Self-Defense Force and producing them domestically. As drones become increasingly important on the battlefield in the wake of the war in Ukraine, defense cooperation between Japan and Germany is getting under way.
Rakuten Group announced that it will partner with German defense startup Helsing. It will propose attack drones for the Ground Self-Defense Force to support their introduction in Japan, while also considering domestic production of the drones.
Drones are said to be becoming key weapons capable of influencing the course of the war against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. Against this backdrop, moves to strengthen Japan's defenses and achieve greater independence in defense capabilities are gathering pace.
As defense cooperation between Japan and Germany advances, information has also emerged concerning bilateral cooperation, including Chancellor Merz's policy of visiting Japan.
The article covers estimates valuing Rakuten Group at just under ¥3 trillion, as well as trends in transactions involving and the introduction of defense equipment, including equipment from Helsing.