Europe’s defence-AI champion Helsing is using Rakuten to break into Japan’s arms market

Helsing, Europe's top-funded defence-AI startup, is entering Japan's arms market with the help of Rakuten to sell its AI-guided HX-2 strike drone and battlefield software to Japan's Ground Self-Defence Forces. Japan's military is trialing the HX-2 drone amid a major military buildup and eased procurement rules, attracting foreign defence tech firms.