“`html
Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire SciTec for approximately $855 million. The consideration breakdown includes $300 million in cash and $555 million in Firefly shares issued at $50 per share, according to a company statement.
The company statement indicates SciTec generated $164 million in revenue for the 12 months ended June 30, 2025. Furthermore, SciTec secured a $259 million contract from the U.S. Space Force earlier in 2025. Firefly highlights that this acquisition will bolster its capabilities in software, big data analytics, remote sensing, AI-driven low-latency processing, and national security solutions. The acquisition, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions, is anticipated to close by the end of 2025.
Positive
$855M total transaction value
SciTec LTM revenue $164M (to June 30, 2025)
SciTec awarded a $259M Space Force contract in 2025
Adds AI-enabled, low-latency data processing and defense software
Negative
Share issuance of $555M in FLY stock may dilute holders
Cash consideration of $300M reduces Firefly liquidity
Deal closing subject to regulatory approvals; year-end 2025 timing risk
Insights
Firefly’s $855M acquisition of SciTec materially expands defense software and data capabilities, accelerating integrated mission offerings.
The article states Firefly Aerospace will acquire SciTec for $855 million via $300 million cash plus $555 million in shares at $50 per share, and SciTec reported $164 million revenue for the trailing twelve months to June 30, 2025.
What it means: the deal shifts Firefly from primarily launch and in-space services toward integrated software-defined national security offerings by adding SciTec’s proven analytics, remote sensing, and low-latency processing. Why it matters: the combination creates a fuller product stack for defense customers, potentially enabling bundled contracts that pair launch with mission software and data services, which can deepen customer relationships and expand addressable revenue.
Monitorable item: the transaction is expected to close by year end 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
SciTec brings mission-proven analytics, missile warning and low-latency processing that directly complement Firefly’s space and defense offerings.
The article discloses SciTec capabilities include missile warning, tracking and defense, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space domain awareness, and autonomous command and control, plus a $259 million Space Force contract for the FORGE framework.
What it means: Firefly gains operational software, ground and onboard processing, and AI-enabled low-latency systems that are directly usable in defense missions. Why it matters: those capabilities reduce integration risk when offering end-to-end mission solutions and may improve Firefly’s relevance for national-security procurements that require both hardware and secure, scalable data processing.
Monitorable item: integration will proceed with SciTec operating as a Firefly subsidiary under CEO Jim Lisowski, reporting to Firefly CEO Jason Kim, and the close is expected by year end 2025.
10/05/2025 – 04:00 PM
Addition of SciTec’s full-stack software and big data processing capabilities expands Firefly’s responsive launch, land, and orbit mission services for space and defense customers
CEDAR PARK, Texas, Oct. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY), a key player in the space and defense technology sector, has finalized an agreement to acquire SciTec, Inc., a leader specializing in advanced national security technologies, for approximately $855 million. The deal encompasses $300 million in cash and $555 million in Firefly shares, priced at $50 per share, issued to SciTec’s stakeholders.
“The strategic acquisition of SciTec significantly enhances our capabilities to support an expanding portfolio of defense missions, providing a notable operational edge,” stated Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “SciTec’s proven software and robust big data processing capabilities equip warfighters with real-time, precise information. This enables them to make informed decisions, safeguarding our nation against emerging threats. A pivotal element of this is the enhancement of our ability to deliver integrated, software-defined solutions crucial for national security initiatives, notably Golden Dome. We are very happy to welcome the SciTec team into the Firefly family as we work together in advancing our country’s strategic advantage in space.”
This acquisition propels Firefly’s integrated space services by incorporating SciTec’s highly regarded analytics, remote sensing expertise, and multi-phenomenology data processing abilities. SciTec boasts proficiencies that include missile warning, tracking and defense, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, space domain awareness, and autonomous command and control, which will greatly complement Firefly’s existing launch capabilities, lunar missions, and in-space services. Critically, SciTec adds ground-based and onboard data processing technologies along with AI-enhanced systems engineered for low-latency operations, facilitating sophisticated threat tracking and response capabilities across multiple operational domains.
For the year ending June 30, 2025, SciTec recorded revenues of approximately $164 million. This was supported by numerous contracts across the intelligence community, defense and national security agencies, and the commercial sector. Earlier in the year, SciTec secured a $259 million contract from the U.S. Space Force, specifically aimed at upgrading the Future Operational Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) framework. A key element is SciTec’s role in delivering a scalable, cyber-secure ground processing infrastructure that fortifies the Space Force’s missile warning and tracking capabilities while expediting threat-responsive solutions tailored for modern warfighters.
“We believe Firefly is the best home for our business and people,” said Jim Lisowski, CEO SciTec. “In addition to the strong strategic fit, our cultures are similar. Both teams are empowered, rapid innovators who are passionate about our critical missions and willing to take on near impossible tasks to ensure we protect our country from future threats. We share a unique focus on providing differentiated, leading-edge solutions to our customers.”
SciTec has its headquarters in Princeton, N.J., and operates additional facilities strategically positioned near key space and defense project locations.
The Firefly-SciTec acquisition is projected to finalize by the end of 2025, conditional upon regulatory approvals and adherence to customary closing protocols. Following completion, SciTec will function as a Firefly subsidiary. Jim Lisowski, the current CEO of SciTec, will continue to lead the subsidiary and will report directly to Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly.
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as the exclusive financial advisor to Firefly, while Kirkland & Ellis LLP provides legal counsel. Baird is serving as the exclusive financial advisor to SciTec, with Cooley LLP as its legal advisor.
In a strategic move, Firefly is leveraging its equity to finance a significant portion of the acquisition. This approach highlights the company’s confidence in its future growth trajectory and the anticipated synergies arising from the integration of SciTec’s cutting-edge capabilities. Industry analysts suggest the deal positions Firefly as a more comprehensive solution provider in the rapidly evolving space and defense technology landscape. The addition of SciTec’s data analytics and AI-driven processing tools allows Firefly to offer more sophisticated and integrated services, potentially attracting larger government contracts and expanding its market share.
From a financial perspective, the acquisition presents Firefly with the opportunity to diversify its revenue streams and enhance its profitability. SciTec’s established presence in the defense sector and its existing contracts provide a stable and predictable source of income, which can help mitigate the risks associated with the more volatile launch services market. Moreover, the integration of SciTec’s technologies is expected to drive operational efficiencies and create cross-selling opportunities, further boosting Firefly’s financial performance.
However, the acquisition also poses certain challenges. Integrating two distinct corporate cultures and ensuring seamless collaboration between the Firefly and SciTec teams will be critical. Moreover, obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and navigating potential antitrust concerns could delay or complicate the closing process. The $300 million cash component of the deal will also impact Firefly’s short-term liquidity, necessitating careful management of its cash reserves.
Despite these challenges, the strategic rationale behind the Firefly-SciTec acquisition appears compelling. By combining Firefly’s established launch capabilities with SciTec’s advanced data analytics and AI-driven processing tools, the combined entity is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for integrated space and defense solutions. As the space industry continues to evolve and become more competitive, strategic acquisitions like this one will likely become increasingly common.
FAQ
What are the financial terms of Firefly’s acquisition of SciTec (FLY) announced October 5, 2025?
The PR states the deal is approx. $855M: $300M cash plus $555M in Firefly shares issued at $50 per share.
How large was SciTec’s revenue before the acquisition announced by Firefly (FLY)?
According to the PR, SciTec generated approximately $164M revenue for the 12 months ended June 30, 2025.
Does SciTec have existing defense contracts relevant to Firefly’s acquisition (FLY)?
The PR states SciTec was awarded a $259M U.S. Space Force contract in 2025 to enhance FORGE ground processing capabilities.
When is the Firefly (FLY)–SciTec acquisition expected to close?
The PR states the transaction is expected to close by year-end 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
Will SciTec operate independently after the acquisition by Firefly (FLY)?
The PR states SciTec will operate as a Firefly subsidiary under its current business model, led by CEO Jim Lisowski reporting to Firefly CEO Jason Kim.
