On Sunday, Firefly Aerospace announced it will acquire defense analytics company SciTec for approximately $855 million through a combination of cash and stock, marking a significant step toward its ambition to become a major force in the national security sector.
The purchase will involve about $300 million in cash along with $555 million in newly issued shares, with the transaction anticipated to be finalized by the close of 2025.
Headquartered in Princeton, SciTec provides missile warning and tracking solutions, space domain awareness products, and analytical services to defense and intelligence agencies. Earlier this year, the company secured a $259 million contract from Space Force to create a ground system for missile-detection satellites. As of June’s end, SciTec reported annual revenues of $164 million.
This acquisition comes less than two months after Firefly’s public listing, which gave the company a valuation close to $10 billion. The move is part of Firefly’s strategy to transform from a launch and spacecraft producer into a fully integrated defense contractor.
Integrating SciTec is expected to be advantageous, particularly as the Department of Defense looks to expand its partnerships with commercial firms for missile detection and early-warning technologies, including those related to the “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative.
After the transaction is complete, SciTec will function as a subsidiary of Firefly and will continue to be managed by its current CEO, Jim Lisowski.
