The transaction will comprise US$300 million (AU$455.6 million) in cash and US$555 million (AU$842.9 million) in Firefly shares, issued to SciTec’s owners at US$50 (AU$75) per share.
Firefly Aerospace chief executive Jason Kim said the acquisition would significantly strengthen the company’s role in supporting defence and national security operations.
“The acquisition of SciTec enhances our ability to support a growing number of defence missions and provides us with a major operational advantage,” Kim said.
“SciTec’s mission-proven software and big data processing capabilities deliver rapid, accurate information that enables warfighters to make informed decisions and protect our homeland from emerging threats. These capabilities will bolster our ability to deliver integrated, software-defined solutions for critical national security programs such as Golden Dome,” Kim added.
SciTec brings to Firefly a strong portfolio of proven defence software analytics, remote sensing expertise and advanced data processing capabilities. The company’s core competencies span missile warning and tracking, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, space domain awareness, and autonomous command and control.
These functions will complement Firefly’s existing strengths in space launch, lunar delivery and in-orbit services, while also adding ground-based and onboard data processing supported by artificial intelligence for low-latency threat detection and response across multiple domains.
SciTec, headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, reported revenues of around US$164 million (AU$249.2 million) for the 12 months ending 30 June 2025, driven by contracts with the US intelligence community, defence agencies and commercial clients.
Earlier this year, SciTec secured a US$259 million (AU$393.5 million) contract from the US Space Force to enhance the Future Operational Resilient Ground Evolution framework. The project aims to deliver scalable, cyber-secure ground processing systems to strengthen missile warning and tracking capabilities and improve the Space Force’s responsiveness to emerging threats.
SciTec chief executive Jim Lisowski said joining Firefly Aerospace would align well with both companies’ missions and cultures.
“We believe Firefly is the best home for our business and people,” Lisowski said.
“Both organisations share a culture of rapid innovation and a commitment to tackling near-impossible challenges in defence of national security. We have a shared passion for delivering leading-edge, differentiated solutions to our customers,” Lisowski added.
The acquisition is expected to be finalised by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approval and standard closing conditions.
Once completed, SciTec will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace under its current structure, with Lisowski continuing as chief executive and reporting to Kim.
Firefly Aerospace said the integration of SciTec’s technologies and expertise would accelerate its ability to deliver next-generation defence and space capabilities for government and commercial clients alike.