Firefly Aerospace Acquires SciTec for $855 Million to Bolster Defense Capabilities

Firefly Aerospace, a Texas-based space and defense technology company, announced on October 5, 2025, its agreement to acquire SciTec, Inc., a national security technology firm headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, for approximately $855 million. The transaction includes $300 million in cash and $555 million in Firefly shares valued at $50 per share. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approvals.

SciTec specializes in missile warning, tracking, and defense, as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies. For the twelve-month period ending June 30, 2025, the company reported revenues of approximately $164 million. Earlier this year, SciTec secured a $259 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to enhance the Future Operational Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) framework, aimed at strengthening missile warning and tracking capabilities.

Firefly Aerospace, established in 2017, offers small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles. In March 2025, the company achieved a significant milestone with its first lunar landing via the Blue Ghost spacecraft. In August 2025, Firefly successfully raised $868 million through an upsized Initial Public Offering (IPO), pricing 19.3 million shares at $45 each, exceeding initial expectations.

The acquisition of SciTec is intended to bolster Firefly's national security offerings by integrating SciTec's advanced software and data processing capabilities into its existing space services, including launch, lunar, and in-space operations. This move aligns with Firefly's broader strategy to expand its presence in the defense sector, especially following its recent Nasdaq debut, which valued the company at $9.84 billion.

Upon completion of the acquisition, SciTec will operate as a subsidiary of Firefly, with its current CEO, Jim Lisowski, reporting to Firefly's CEO, Jason Kim. Kim stated, "The acquisition of SciTec enhances our ability to support a growing number of defense missions and provides us with a significant operational advantage." Lisowski commented, "We believe Firefly is the best home for our business and people. In addition to the strong strategic fit, our cultures are similar."

This acquisition reflects the growing trend of private companies playing a significant role in national security and defense sectors. By combining Firefly's space launch capabilities with SciTec's defense technologies, the partnership aims to enhance the United States' strategic advantage in space. This move also signifies increased investor interest in defense and space contractors amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.