International law firm Bird & Bird has advised OSL, a UK-based leader in counter-drone security and safety systems, and OSL’s shareholders on its acquisition by Terma A/S, creating one of the most comprehensive Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) offerings in the market.
OSL specialises in airspace security, providing technology and integration services for detecting, tracking, and managing drones and aerial threats across civil and defence applications. The company brings a proven full-stack approach – from sensors to effectors – with an exceptional operational track record at major airports and complex national infrastructure sites, including years of protecting Heathrow.
The acquisition advances Terma's strategy to build market-leading C-UAS and critical-infrastructure protection capabilities. Terma contributes decades of expertise in radar engineering, air- and maritime-domain awareness, and command-and-control at scale. Together, the companies deliver a cross-domain, end-to-end solution that can detect, track, classify, decide, and engage aerial threats in seconds.
The combined entity integrates defence-grade sensors, AI-driven analytics, and real-world operational expertise in an open, modular ecosystem. By merging Terma's situational-awareness heritage with OSL's civilian counter-drone suite, the platform provides continuous coverage and intelligent fusion across sea, air, and land – including third-party sensors and effectors – enabling one trusted operational picture for airport authorities, critical-infrastructure operators, and defence customers worldwide.
London corporate partner, Simon Allport and senior corporate associate, Sarah Bratton-Bishop, led a multi-practice Bird & Bird team which included Amy Donlevey (associate, Corporate), Gypsy Barber (trainee, Corporate), Saskia King (partner, Antitrust), Marcin Alberski (associate, Antitrust), Sarah Ferguson (partner, Incentives), Issac Qureshi (associate, Incentives), Danny McNeill (associate Incentives), Jesse Dalton (partner, Tax), Emily Patel (associate, Tax), Rob Collier-Wright (associate, Employment), Charlotte Addley (associate, Real Estate) and Monica Ma (consultant, Pensions).
Terma was advised by Danish law firm, Kromann Reumert, led by corporate partner Mads Reinholdt with support from corporate associates, Sophia Solyanyk and Anne Birch.
Simon Allport, Corporate Partner at Bird & Bird, commented: "We are delighted to have advised OSL and its shareholders on this strategically significant transaction with Terma. This deal exemplifies Bird & Bird's deep expertise in both the aviation and defence sectors, where we have a strong track record of advising on complex, high-value transactions involving cutting-edge technology. The combination of OSL's proven operational expertise in counter-drone technology with Terma's defence-grade capabilities creates a formidable platform to address the growing threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems. As aerial security becomes increasingly critical for both civilian and military applications, this acquisition demonstrates the convergence of our aviation and defence sector capabilities and positions the combined business as a leader in this rapidly evolving sector."
