Exclusive-BAE weighs bid for Robin Radar in possible $2.3 billion deal, sources say

By Amy-Jo Crowley

LONDON, Oct 1 (Reuters) – BAE Systems is among the potential bidders that are in the early stages of exploring an offer for Robin Radar Systems, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, in what could be one of the biggest European defence industry deals since last year.

CVC and Blackstone are also exploring making an offer for the Dutch drone detection company, two of the people said, adding that an offer by the private equity firms over the summer was rejected ahead of the sale process.

Other potential bidders include private equity firms Advent and EQT, one of the people added. Reuters is first to report the names of bidders interested in Robin Radar. 

Dutch investment firm Parcom, Robin Radar’s owner, is working with JPMorgan to launch a sale process later this year that could value the Delft-based group at about €2 billion ($2.26 billion), two of the people said. 

BAE said it does not comment on rumour or speculation.

Parcom did not respond to requests for comment. Spokespeople for CVC and Blackstone declined to comment. 

Robin Radar said it would not comment on “confidential shareholder processes”.

“If we have anything to report regarding the shareholder structure at any point, we will do so with due care,” it said. 

Advent, EQT and JPMorgan declined to comment. The potential sale of Robin Radar was first reported in June by Dutch media.

Analysts at UBS said the deal could be strategically attractive, adding specialised small-drone detection to BAE’s counter-drone offering and creating synergies in electronic warfare.

BAE shares rose 1%, outpacing the FTSE 100 but roughly in line with gains in the broad European defence sector.

Its market capitalisation was £59 billion as of Thursday’s close, according to LSEG data.

FROM BIRD DETECTION TO DRONES

Dealmaking in the defence sector is being closely scrutinised, as Europe pursues greater digital sovereignty, with governments seeking to retain 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, a second source said.

The Dutch government in May blocked ‌US-based Kyndryl’s €100 million takeover of cloud services provider Solvinity on public interest and national security concerns. 

It was the first time the Dutch Investment Screening Bureau has blocked a US acquisition since it was set up in 2020.

Robin Radar, founded in 2010, started out building small airport radars to detect flocks of birds to prevent strikes on planes but has since moved into anti-drone technology. 

The Netherlands last year bought 100 early-warning radars made by Robin Radar to help detect approaching drones after sightings near an airport and air force base.

Its technology has also been used to protect live events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Paris Olympic Games in 2024.

($1 = 0.8863 euros)  

(Reporting by Amy-Jo Crowley in London; Additional reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Anousha Sakoui, Alexander Smith and Emelia Sithole-Matarise)