Firefly Leans Into Its Defense Ambitions With $855M SciTec Acquisition
Firefly Aerospace is making a bold move to expand its defense footprint. Firefly leans into its defense ambitions with $855M SciTec acquisition, a strategic step that cements its role as a growing force in national security and space defense innovation.
The company announced on Sunday that it will acquire defense analytics firm SciTec in a deal worth approximately $855 million in cash and stock. The acquisition will include about $300 million in cash and $555 million in newly issued Firefly shares, with the transaction expected to close by the end of 2025.
A Strategic Move Into National Security
With this acquisition, Firefly is signaling a major strategic shift. The company, previously known for its launch and spacecraft manufacturing, is now positioning itself as a vertically integrated defense contractor.
The timing couldn’t be better. Following its IPO just two months ago — which valued the company at nearly $10 billion — Firefly is using its momentum to deepen ties within the U.S. defense ecosystem.
What SciTec Brings To Firefly
Based in Princeton, New Jersey, SciTec specializes in missile warning and tracking systems, space domain awareness, and data analytics for defense and intelligence agencies. Earlier this year, the U.S. Space Force awarded SciTec a $259 million contract to build a ground system for missile-detection satellites.
As of June, SciTec reported annual revenue of $164 million, underscoring its solid position in the defense analytics market. Integrating SciTec’s advanced systems and government contracts will allow Firefly to play a bigger role in U.S. national defense programs.
Fueling The Pentagon’s Push For Commercial Partnerships
Bringing SciTec under the Firefly umbrella also aligns with the Pentagon’s increasing reliance on commercial space and defense contractors. Programs like the “Golden Dome” missile-defense initiative are opening doors for innovative private firms to collaborate on next-generation security systems.
By acquiring SciTec, Firefly gains the technological expertise and data infrastructure needed to compete for high-value government contracts — a key step in securing its future as a defense leader.
What’s Next For Firefly And SciTec
Once the deal closes, SciTec will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, led by its current CEO Jim Lisowski. The move ensures continuity in leadership while integrating both companies’ strengths in analytics, software, and aerospace engineering.
For Firefly, this acquisition marks more than just expansion — it’s a declaration of intent to become a major player in defense technology, supporting the nation’s evolving space and security priorities.
As Firefly leans into its defense ambitions with $855M SciTec acquisition, the company is setting the stage for long-term growth at the intersection of space exploration and national defense. The deal underscores a larger trend of private aerospace firms transforming into full-scale defense partners, bridging innovation with security at a global scale.
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