The planned deal could bring drone manufacturing, AI software, advanced batteries, and autonomous recharging under one technology platform

San Diego, California, 8 October 2026 – Beam Global is expanding its presence in the rapidly growing drone industry through a definitive agreement to acquire ScoutDI, a Norway-based company that develops drones and AI-enhanced software for inspecting difficult and dangerous industrial spaces. The proposed acquisition is expected to give Beam a broader technology platform serving industrial, commercial, government, and defense customers.

Under the agreement, Beam Global plans to pay approximately $24 million through a combination of cash and its common stock. The company has also secured commitments for financing to cover the cash portion of the transaction, subject to customary closing requirements. The acquisition is currently expected to close in November 2026.

ScoutDI develops drone systems designed for areas that can be difficult or unsafe for people to enter. Its technology is already used to inspect confined spaces such as tanks, cargo areas, and other industrial assets. The company serves customers across industries including maritime, oil and gas, energy, and industrial inspection.

Its Scout Portal software also provides subscription-based services, giving ScoutDI a recurring revenue stream alongside its hardware business. The company has customers in 30 countries, including major energy and industrial organizations as well as inspection and certification companies.

For Beam Global, the acquisition represents an opportunity to bring several technologies together. The company already works with advanced batteries, energy storage, mobility infrastructure, and smart city technologies. It also has BeamFlight technology, which enables drones to recharge remotely without traditional grid connections or construction. Combining these capabilities with ScoutDI’s aircraft and software could allow Beam to offer a more complete drone solution.

Following the expected completion of the transaction, Beam plans to manufacture ScoutDI’s drone systems at its existing facilities in the United States. Its European operations will support customers across Europe and the Middle East. This manufacturing strategy is intended to help the company serve markets where domestic production and supply chain requirements are increasingly important.

ScoutDI’s Scout 137 Gen3 has also received Conditional Approval from the U.S. Department of Defense, allowing the approved system to be marketed in the United States subject to applicable conditions. Beam plans to manufacture the system domestically after closing while continuing to meet relevant regulatory and procurement requirements.

The technology could have applications well beyond defense. Beam and ScoutDI see opportunities in mining, utilities, agriculture, public safety, infrastructure inspection, tunnels, mines, sewers, and other locations where sending people into difficult environments can be costly or risky.

The broader market is also creating room for expansion. According to figures cited by Beam from Grand View Research, the global drone market is estimated at $96.4 billion in 2026 and is expected to more than double by 2033. Industrial inspection, public safety, defense, and delivery applications are among the areas contributing to this growth.

For Beam Global, the ScoutDI acquisition could mark an important shift from supplying individual technologies to developing a more integrated drone ecosystem. If completed as planned, the combination of aircraft, AI software, batteries, charging technology, engineering, and manufacturing could position the company for opportunities across several expanding markets.