BAE Systems (LON: BA.) is weighing a bid for Robin Radar in a deal that could be worth $2.3bn, Reuters reported today. Three people familiar with the matter told the agency that BAE is in the early stages of exploring an offer.
BAE is not alone. CVC and Blackstone are also exploring an offer for the Dutch drone detection company, according to two of the people, after an offer from the pair over the summer was rejected ahead of the sale process. One of the people added Advent and EQT as potential bidders. Reuters said it is the first to report the names of the interested parties.
Robin Radar’s owner, Parcom, is working with JPMorgan to launch a sale process later this year, according to two of the people. That could value the Delft-based group at about €2bn, or $2.26bn. Dutch media first reported a potential sale in June.
BAE said it does not comment on rumour or speculation. CVC and Blackstone declined to comment, as did Advent, EQT and JPMorgan, and Parcom did not respond. Robin Radar said it would not comment on “confidential shareholder processes”, but added:
If we have anything to report regarding the shareholder structure at any point, we will do so with due care.
Robin Radar
Robin Radar was founded in 2010 and began by building small airport radars that detect flocks of birds. It has since moved into anti-drone technology. The Netherlands bought 100 of its early-warning radars last year, and its technology was used at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Defence dealmaking is being closely scrutinised as Europe pursues greater digital sovereignty, meaning domestic or European control over critical cloud, data and digital infrastructure. Parcom, which bought Robin Radar in 2024, would prefer a European strategic or private equity investor to develop its technology for Europe’s benefit, according to a second source.
In May the Dutch government blocked US-based Kyndryl’s €100m takeover of cloud services provider Solvinity on public interest and national security grounds. It was the first time the Dutch Investment Screening Bureau had blocked a US acquisition since it was set up in 2020.