Key facts
- BAE Systems is exploring an offer for Dutch drone detection company Robin Radar Systems.
- CVC and Blackstone are also exploring bids for Robin Radar.
- Advent and EQT are among other potential bidders.
- Robin Radar's owner, Parcom, is working with JPMorgan on a sale process.
- The sale could value Robin Radar at approximately $2.3 billion (€2 billion).
- Robin Radar was founded in 2010 and develops anti-drone technology.
BAE Systems is among the companies in the early stages of exploring an offer for Dutch drone detection firm Robin Radar Systems, according to three people familiar with the matter. Private equity firms CVC and Blackstone are also considering bids, with a previous offer from them having been rejected ahead of the sale process. Advent and EQT are also noted as potential bidders.
Robin Radar's owner, Dutch investment firm Parcom, is working with JPMorgan to initiate a sale process later this year. This process could value the Delft-based company at approximately €2 billion ($2.26 billion). Parcom, which acquired Robin Radar in 2024, reportedly favors a European strategic or private equity investor to further develop the company's technology within Europe.
The Dutch government's recent actions, such as blocking the US-based Kyndryl's takeover of Solvinity on national security grounds, highlight the scrutiny on dealmaking in the defense sector as Europe aims for greater digital sovereignty. Robin Radar, founded in 2010, initially focused on airport radars for bird detection but has since expanded into anti-drone technology. Its systems have been purchased by the Dutch military and used to protect major international events.