New Delhi, India, October 6, 2025 — Firefly Aerospace to acquire SciTec in a deal valued at approximately $855 million, marking a major expansion for the Texas-based space technology company into the defense and intelligence sectors. This acquisition will merge Firefly’s established launch capabilities with SciTec’s advanced national security software, positioning Firefly as a more comprehensive player in the fast-growing space-defense market.
Firefly Aerospace, which recently gained attention for its impressive public market debut, plans to finance the acquisition with a combination of $300 million in cash and $555 million worth of Firefly Aerospace shares. The company expects the transaction to close by the end of 2025. This announcement comes just two months after Firefly’s successful initial public offering (IPO) on Nasdaq. On its debut day, Firefly’s stock surged by over 55%, boosting its market capitalization to nearly $9.84 billion. Notably, this IPO represented the largest U.S. public offering in the space technology sector for 2025.
SciTec, headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, has earned a strong reputation for its cutting-edge software focused on missile warning systems, tracking technologies, and surveillance platforms. These products serve critical roles in national defense, especially as modern military operations increasingly depend on real-time intelligence and space-based situational awareness. By acquiring SciTec, Firefly Aerospace intends to integrate these sophisticated software capabilities with its existing satellite launch and space service operations. This integration aims to provide government clients with a more comprehensive suite of services.
After the deal’s completion, SciTec will continue to operate as an independent division within Firefly Aerospace. The company’s current CEO, Jim Lisowski, will remain at the helm, ensuring continuity in leadership and preserving the unit’s specialized expertise. Firefly’s management emphasized that this acquisition aligns closely with the company’s long-term strategic vision. In a statement, Firefly Aerospace said, “SciTec’s expertise enhances our ability to deliver more robust, integrated solutions tailored for government and defense customers.”
This move underscores the growing importance of space-based infrastructure in national security amid escalating geopolitical tensions worldwide. Governments, particularly the United States, are increasing their investments in technologies that can provide missile warning, tracking, and intelligence through space platforms. Firefly’s acquisition of SciTec strategically positions it to benefit from these trends, enabling the company to meet rising demand for integrated space-defense solutions.
Industry analysts view this transaction as a pivotal step for Firefly. Combining launch capabilities with real-time data analytics and surveillance software enhances its competitive edge against larger defense contractors. One expert noted, “Firefly is signaling that it wants to evolve beyond a pure launch services provider. The SciTec acquisition marks its entrance into a broader defense ecosystem.”
Firefly’s path to this milestone has been marked by challenges. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and underwent significant leadership changes in 2024. In recent months, Firefly experienced setbacks, including the destruction of its Alpha rocket booster during a September 2025 test and a satellite launch in April that failed to place a Lockheed Martin payload into its intended orbit. Despite these difficulties, the company’s successful IPO reignited investor confidence, demonstrating resilience and a renewed growth strategy.
SciTec’s specialized software solutions are highly sought after in the defense sector. Its technologies play a crucial role in missile detection, space surveillance, and intelligence collection, all of which are vital for modern military operations facing increasingly complex threats. Integrating SciTec’s expertise with Firefly’s launch capabilities opens doors to lucrative government contracts and strategic partnerships.
Through this acquisition, Firefly Aerospace is clearly expanding its scope from commercial satellite launches toward becoming a more influential defense and space technology provider. The deal strengthens its technology portfolio and signals a strategic shift aimed at capturing a larger share of the national security market. As Firefly prepares to complete the acquisition by year-end, industry observers will be watching closely to see how effectively the company integrates SciTec and executes its broader vision.
In summary, Firefly’s acquisition of SciTec represents a bold and calculated move within the evolving space technology landscape. It highlights a trend toward consolidation in the sector, where companies seek to combine launch, surveillance, and defense capabilities under one umbrella. This deal could set a precedent for future partnerships and reshape competitive dynamics across the aerospace and defense industries.
