Firefly Aerospace, a prominent player in the space and defense technology sector, has announced its definitive agreement to acquire SciTec, Inc., a leader in advanced national security technologies. The transaction, valued at approximately $855 million, comprises $300 million in cash and $555 million in Firefly shares issued at $50 per share. This strategic move is set to bolster Firefly’s capabilities in supporting a growing number of defense missions and provides a significant operational advantage.
Strengthening National Security Capabilities
The acquisition of SciTec is poised to enhance Firefly’s comprehensive space services by integrating mission-proven defense software analytics, remote sensing, and multi-phenomenology data expertise. SciTec’s core competencies include missile warning, tracking and defense, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), space domain awareness (SDA), and autonomous command and control. These capabilities will complement Firefly’s existing launch, lunar, and in-space services, enabling the delivery of integrated, software-defined solutions for critical national security imperatives, particularly the Golden Dome missile defense program.
Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition:
The acquisition of SciTec enhances our ability to support a growing number of defense missions and provides us with a significant operational advantage. SciTec’s mission-proven software and big data processing capabilities provide warfighters with rapid, accurate information to enable informed decisions that protect our homeland from emerging threats.
Financial Details and Strategic Fit
The transaction is structured with a combination of cash and stock, reflecting a balanced approach to financing. The $300 million in cash and $555 million in Firefly shares issued at $50 per share underscore the confidence in the synergies between the two companies. SciTec, headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, operates five additional facilities strategically positioned near key space and defense customers.
Jim Lisowski, CEO of SciTec, expressed optimism about the merger:
We believe Firefly is the best home for our business and people. In addition to the strong strategic fit, our cultures are similar. Both teams are empowered, rapid innovators who are passionate about our critical missions and willing to take on near impossible tasks to ensure we protect our country from future threats.
Operational Integration and Future Prospects
Upon completion of the acquisition, expected by the end of 2025 pending regulatory approvals and customary conditions, SciTec will operate as a subsidiary of Firefly under its current business model. Jim Lisowski will continue to lead SciTec, reporting directly to Jason Kim. This structure aims to maintain continuity while leveraging the combined strengths of both organizations.
SciTec has demonstrated robust financial performance, generating approximately $164 million in revenue for the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2025. Earlier this year, the company secured a $259 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to enhance the Future Operational Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) framework. This contract involves delivering a scalable, cyber-secure ground processing capability to strengthen the Space Force’s missile warning and tracking mission and accelerate threat-responsive solutions for warfighters.
Market Implications and Strategic Outlook
This acquisition comes on the heels of Firefly’s successful Nasdaq debut in August, where it attained a valuation of $9.84 billion, marking the largest space tech IPO in the U.S. that year. The move aligns with Firefly’s strategic objective to reposition itself as a vertically integrated defense contractor, expanding beyond its origins as a launch and spacecraft manufacturer.
The integration of SciTec’s advanced software analytics, remote sensing, and data processing capabilities is expected to enhance Firefly’s ability to deliver rapid, accurate information to warfighters, thereby strengthening national security. This strategic alignment positions Firefly to play a pivotal role in critical national security initiatives, including the Golden Dome missile defense program.
In summary, Firefly Aerospace’s acquisition of SciTec represents a significant step in enhancing its national security capabilities. By integrating SciTec’s expertise in defense software analytics and data processing, Firefly is well-positioned to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions for critical defense missions, thereby strengthening its role in the national security landscape.
