The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to Test German Helsing HX-2 Attack Drone by the End of September, Rakuten Enters Procurement Mediation

[Tokyo] The German defense AI company Helsing in Munich has entered the final adjustments for the sale of unmanned systems to the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, with Rakuten acting as the intermediary. A Rakuten spokesperson confirmed this to Reuters on August 17. The JGSDF is conducting practical tests of the HX-2 attack drone until the end of September, and the decision on its introduction will be made based on the results. Nikkei reported this earlier.

Capabilities of the HX-2

The HX-2 is an electric X-wing type loitering munition with a range of up to 100 kilometers and a weight of 12 kilograms. It is equipped with multi-purpose, anti-tank, and anti-structure warheads. Its feature is onboard AI. Even if the communication link is interrupted, it can search for, re-identify, and attack targets, and it is resistant to jamming. However, the final launch decision involves human input. Multiple units can be networked on Helsing's "Altra" platform.

• Range: Up to 100 kilometers
• Weight: 12 kilograms
• Warhead: Multi-purpose / Anti-tank / Anti-structure
• Features: AI autonomous target processing, jamming resistance

Why Rakuten?

Helsing explains that it reached a "preliminary agreement" with the Japanese government earlier this year, but has not disclosed the name of the intermediary. Rakuten is a company with little experience in the defense sector. Hideaki Mukai, a close aide to Chairman Hiroshi Mikitani, stated, "For startups to enter the defense industry, there are significant structural barriers such as complex procurement systems and communication obstacles with government agencies," indicating that the company aims to bridge this gap.

This is not Rakuten's first mediation. In April of this year, the U.S.-listed Ukrainian drone software company Swarmers conducted a demonstration of AI swarm control for JGSDF units. Mr. Mikitani is at the forefront of support for Ukraine, and involvement in the defense industry is a continuation of that effort.

Relation to the SHIELD Concept

The defense budget for fiscal year 2026 is 9.4 trillion yen, of which approximately 101 billion yen is allocated to the unmanned systems-centered coastal defense concept "SHIELD," aiming for operational start by the end of fiscal year 2027. Including a new family of small disposable attack UAVs for the JGSDF, the HX-2 meets the requirements, but the Ministry of Defense has not publicly linked it to the evaluation.

Hideaki Mukai of Rakuten: "Encouraging startups to enter the defense industry is an important opportunity for strengthening the country's defense capabilities."

Author's Perspective

It is premature to view this movement solely as the "adoption of foreign drones." The essence lies in the shift of defense procurement from "government-controlled enclosure" to "private mediation market." With the relaxation of export regulations leading to a flood of foreign companies into the Japanese market, the scenario of non-defense companies like Rakuten becoming gatekeepers was unimaginable ten years ago.

However, questions remain. The core of the HX-2 lies in AI and data integration, but the core software is under the control of a European company. It is unclear to what extent updates and supply continuity will be guaranteed in the event of an emergency, as this is not visible at the contract stage. The number of units to be procured also remains undisclosed.

The real challenge lies in the decision-making process of who will convert targets identified autonomously by AI into "attacks" and at what speed. Without a well-defined operational philosophy, even purchasing an excellent aircraft will not directly translate into effective island defense capabilities.