Beam Global is making a bigger bet on the drone industry, signing a definitive agreement to acquire Norwegian drone technology company ScoutDI in a deal valued at approximately $24 million. The move could give Beam a stronger foothold in the US industrial and defense drone markets, with domestic manufacturing at the center of its plans.
The acquisition will bring ScoutDI’s specialized inspection drones and AI-powered software into Beam Global’s existing energy and infrastructure business. The deal is expected to close in November, subject to customary closing conditions.
So, what makes ScoutDI worth acquiring? Its drones are designed to inspect places where sending people can be dangerous, expensive, or simply impractical.
Think inside industrial tanks, ship cargo holds and other confined spaces where traditional inspections may require scaffolding, rope access or workers entering hazardous environments. 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 company serves customers across maritime, oil and gas, and energy industries. Its technology has customers in 30 countries, including major names such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, Petrobras and Equinor. Inspection and testing companies DEKRA, Applus+, Kiwa and Apave are also among its customers.
US manufacturing is a major part of the deal
Under the agreement, Beam plans to manufacture ScoutDI’s drone systems for the US market at its existing American factories. European and Middle Eastern customers will be served through Beam’s European facilities, alongside ScoutDI’s retained sales, engineering and manufacturing operations.
That domestic production strategy matters as the US government increasingly emphasizes American-made drones for government and defense applications.
ScoutDI’s Scout 137 Gen3 was among the first four drone systems overall to receive Conditional Approval from the US Department of Defense, making it eligible for sale in the United States under the approval framework. The system was subsequently exempted by the Federal Communications Commission from its Covered List.
However, the approval comes with conditions. ScoutDI must comply with its US onshoring plan and updated government vetting requirements. Beam intends to manufacture the drone domestically after the acquisition closes.
Beam believes a US-based manufacturing operation and documented domestic supply chain could also help position the Scout 137 for government and defense procurement. Meeting applicable requirements, including those associated with the American Security Drone Act and the Blue UAS program, would still be necessary.
More than just inspection drones
Beam isn’t looking at ScoutDI solely as a way to expand its existing product lineup. The company sees potential applications across public safety, security, mining, utilities, and defense.
ScoutDI is also developing technology for fully autonomous operations, which could expand how its drones are deployed at industrial facilities.
Another potential advantage is software revenue. ScoutDI’s Scout Portal platform generates recurring subscription revenue, giving Beam an additional business model beyond selling hardware.
Beam already manufactures batteries for drones, robots, submersibles, and similar equipment. It also offers BeamFlight, a patented technology designed to recharge drones remotely without requiring conventional construction or grid infrastructure.
Combining those capabilities with ScoutDI’s drones and software could give Beam a more integrated offering spanning aircraft, batteries, charging infrastructure and inspection tools.
What will the acquisition cost?
The approximately $24 million purchase price will be paid through a combination of cash and Beam common stock. The company says it has secured commitments for financing to cover the cash portion, subject to customary transaction requirements and acceptable terms.
ScoutDI’s sellers may also receive additional earn-out payments if drone and software revenues exceed specified thresholds tied to 2025 revenue levels in 2026 and 2027.
ScoutDI CEO Nicolai Husteli will continue leading the business under Beam, while major ScoutDI shareholders DNV, Equinor Ventures and Klaveness will become Beam shareholders through the transaction.
For Beam, the acquisition represents an opportunity to move deeper into industrial and defense drones while leveraging its existing manufacturing footprint. Whether that combination delivers the growth the company expects will depend on successfully integrating the businesses, meeting US compliance requirements, and expanding ScoutDI’s customer base.
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