Firefly Aerospace has announced its acquisition of SciTec, a defense analytics firm, for approximately $855 million in cash and stock. The deal aims to position Firefly as a major player in the national security market.
The acquisition involves roughly $300 million in cash and $555 million in new Firefly shares, with the deal expected to be finalized by the end of 2025. SciTec, based in Princeton, specializes in missile-warning and tracking systems, space domain awareness tools, and analytics for defense and intelligence clients. Notably, SciTec was recently awarded a $259 million contract by Space Force to develop a ground system for missile-detection satellites and reported $164 million in annual revenue as of June.
This move follows Firefly's recent IPO and reflects its strategic shift from a launch-and-spacecraft manufacturer to a vertically integrated defense contractor. Integrating SciTec will aid Firefly in meeting the Pentagon's increasing demand for commercial partners in missile tracking and early-warning systems, including programs like the "Golden Dome" missile-defense initiative. Following the acquisition, SciTec will operate as a Firefly subsidiary, led by its current CEO, Jim Lisowski.