Private investment firm Highlander Partners, L.P. announced the acquisition of Black Sage Technologies, a leading supplier of counter-unmanned-aircraft-system (C-UAS) technologies. Black Sage, founded in 2014, is based in Boise, Idaho, and supports military and security markets. The company develops systems that counter electronic-warfare (EW) and intelligence-gathering efforts of drones in critical infrastructure and battlefield environments.
Examples of Black Sage’s developments include its DefenseOS command and control software for C-UAS automation and its Sawtooth hardware system for battling enemy drones in the field (see image above). The firm has employed advanced artificial-intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) strategies in its software to enhance automatic target recognition and threat evaluation in its hardware.
In 2022, Highlander Partners L. P. formed High Point Aerotechnologies as a division of the partnership focusing on civilian and military defense investments related to UAS and C-UAS markets. Regarding the acquisition, Black Sage’s CEO Al White said, “The Black Sage executive team is excited to join forces with Highlander and High Point to continue our growth trajectory in the C-UAS, critical infrastructure, and security markets. We believe that Highlander will bring the necessary government and military relationships, industry experience, and long-term financial approach to accelerate our objectives in driving the business forward.”
Ben Slater, partner and COO of Highlander, added, “The acquisition of Black Sage marks Highlander's third C-UAS/UAS acquisition since the formation of High Point in May 2022. We are confident that Black Sage, with its highly advanced systems, will further our mission of creating world-class, cutting-edge solutions to aid in the defense of our armed forces, allies, and critical infrastructure. We are thrilled to partner with the entire Black Sage team.”