Beam Global acquires ScoutDI in $24 million drone deal
Beam Global has agreed to acquire Norwegian drone technology firm ScoutDI for approximately $24 million, aiming to manufacture its inspection drones in the U.S. for defense and industrial markets.
Beam Global is acquiring Norwegian drone technology company ScoutDI in a deal valued at approximately $24 million. The definitive agreement, announced on October 7, 2026, will see the purchase price paid through a combination of cash and Beam common stock. The company has secured commitments for non-dilutive financing sufficient to fund the cash portion, subject to customary requirements.
Strategic rationale for U.S. market
Following the acquisition, Beam intends to manufacture ScoutDI’s drone systems for the U.S. market at its existing domestic facilities. This onshoring plan is central to the deal's strategy. Beam believes that domestic manufacturing and a documented U.S. supply chain could position the system for additional government and defense procurement opportunities.
Meeting applicable requirements, including those associated with the American Security Drone Act and the Blue UAS program, would still be necessary. The US government increasingly emphasizes American-made drones for government and defense applications. Beam intends to pursue these defense opportunities through U.S. manufacturing, its existing defense customer relationships, and federal procurement channels.
ScoutDI’s technology and customer base
ScoutDI develops drone systems and AI-enhanced software used to inspect confined spaces and other hard-to-access industrial assets. Its drones are designed to inspect places where sending people can be dangerous, expensive, or impractical, such as industrial tanks and ship cargo holds. Traditional inspections in these areas may require scaffolding, rope access, or workers entering hazardous environments.
ScoutDI serves customers across maritime, oil and gas, and energy industries in 30 countries. Major customers include ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, Petrobras, Oceaneering, Ørsted, and Equinor. Nicolai Husteli, who will continue leading ScoutDI within Beam after the deal closes, explained the core value. "ScoutDI’s technology aims to replace much of that work with drone flights, helping customers reduce inspection costs, limit downtime and improve worker safety." The technology is inherently dual-use with potential in defense and security applications.
Post-acquisition integration and growth
ScoutDI’s specialized inspection drones and AI-powered software will be brought into Beam Global’s existing energy and infrastructure business. Beam also plans to serve European and Middle Eastern markets through its European manufacturing footprint, supplemented by ScoutDI’s existing sales, engineering, and manufacturing operations.
ScoutDI’s sellers will be eligible for earn-out payments in 2026 and 2027 if drone and software revenues exceed 150% and 160% of 2025 revenue, respectively. Those earn-outs may also be paid through a combination of cash and Beam common stock. ScoutDI’s main shareholders, DNV, Equinor Ventures, and Klaveness, will receive Beam stock as part of the transaction.
Beam already manufactures batteries for drones and offers BeamFlight, a patented remote recharging technology. Combining these capabilities with ScoutDI’s systems could give Beam a more integrated offering spanning aircraft, batteries, charging infrastructure, and inspection tools. Beam sees potential applications for ScoutDI’s technology expanding into public safety, security, mining, and utilities.
Regulatory status and market access
A key asset in the acquisition is ScoutDI’s regulatory standing with the U.S. government. ScoutDI’s Scout 137 Gen3 was among the first four drone systems overall to receive Conditional Approval from the US Department of Defense. This approval makes it eligible for sale in the United States under the DoD's framework.
The Scout 137 Gen3 was subsequently exempted by the Federal Communications Commission from its Covered List. This Conditional Approval remains effective subject to compliance with ScoutDI's U.S. onshoring plan and updated government vetting requirements. Beam intends to manufacture the Scout 137 in the U.S. following the deal's closing, consistent with this mandated onshoring plan. ScoutDI is also developing technology for fully autonomous operations, which could expand deployment at industrial facilities.
