Firefly Aerospace Expands Defense Capabilities with $855 Million SciTec Acquisition

Firefly Aerospace, a Texas-based space technology firm, announced plans to acquire national security tech company SciTec in a deal valued at approximately $855 million. The transaction, comprising $300 million in cash and $555 million in Firefly shares, is expected to close by the end of the year. The move underscores Firefly’s ambition to strengthen its foothold in the growing U.S. defense and space services market amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

The acquisition follows Firefly’s impressive Nasdaq debut in August, where its shares surged 55.6%, pushing the company’s valuation to $9.84 billion—the largest U.S. listing by a space tech firm in 2025. Integrating SciTec’s advanced defense analytics and intelligence software will enhance Firefly’s existing launch, lunar, and in-space services, creating a more comprehensive space solutions portfolio for military and government clients.

SciTec, based in Princeton, New Jersey, specializes in missile warning, tracking and defense, intelligence, and surveillance systems. Upon completion of the deal, SciTec will operate as a subsidiary of Firefly, led by its current CEO, Jim Lisowski. The acquisition positions Firefly to deliver more sophisticated defense capabilities and compete more effectively with established aerospace and defense contractors.

The deal comes as global instability fuels demand for advanced space defense technologies. For Firefly, which has overcome challenges including a bankruptcy in 2017 and the exit of its CEO last year, this marks another bold step in its evolution. Despite recent setbacks, such as the Alpha rocket mishap in September that destroyed a booster during testing, Firefly continues to push forward with its mission to revolutionize space transport and defense.

This acquisition reinforces Firefly Aerospace’s reputation as a rising force in the aerospace and defense industry, aligning innovation with national security priorities.