Firefly Aerospace subsidiary SciTec secures $94 million Space Force radar contract
Firefly Aerospace’s subsidiary SciTec has won a $93.7 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to modernize ground-based radar systems. The firm-fixed price agreement involves creating a common architecture for radar upgrades, enhancing national defense capabilities and operational efficiency.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace (NASDAQ: FLY), has been awarded a $93,704,410 firm-fixed price other transaction agreement to advance the digitization and modernization of ground-based radars for the U.S. Space Force. The contract, issued on Aug. 11, 2026, requires SciTec to create a common architecture and design for upgrading existing radar infrastructure, a move intended to strengthen national defense capabilities while minimizing total lifecycle costs for taxpayers and warfighters.
The contracting activity is managed by Space Systems Command, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This agreement represents a significant expansion of SciTec’s role in critical national security missions, leveraging its expertise in AI-enabled defense software and big data processing. The project focuses on creating a unified system design that enhances operational readiness in an increasingly contested space environment.
"SciTec is honored to support the Space Force," said David Simenc, President of SciTec. "This effort strengthens national defense, modernizing vital radar infrastructure and ensuring the United States maintains an operational advantage in an increasingly contested environment while minimizing total lifecycle costs to taxpayers and warfighters."
Contract Details
| Contract Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Contracting Agency | U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command |
| Contract Value | $93,704,410 |
| Contract Type | Firm-fixed price other transaction agreement |
| Scope | Ground-based radar digitization and common architecture creation |
| Award Date | Aug. 11, 2026 |
Strategic Implications
The award underscores Firefly Aerospace’s growing footprint in the defense sector beyond its core launch and lunar landing operations. SciTec, headquartered in Princeton, N.J., brings more than four decades of experience in supporting high-stakes national security missions. Its capabilities include cloud-based, on-premise, and edge processing for missile warning and defense, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and space domain awareness.
This contract aligns with broader U.S. military efforts to modernize aging radar systems through digital integration. By establishing a common architecture, the Space Force aims to reduce fragmentation across different radar networks, thereby improving data sharing and response times. For Firefly Aerospace, this deal diversifies its revenue streams and validates the strategic value of its acquisition of SciTec, which was completed to bolster its defense technology portfolio.
The company noted that such government contracts are subject to various risks, including funding disruptions, procurement priority shifts, and potential modifications or terminations. However, the firm-fixed nature of this agreement provides a degree of cost certainty for the initial scope of work.
How might this radar modernization contract influence Firefly Aerospace's valuation relative to its core launch and lunar landing operations?
What are the potential technical challenges SciTec may face in integrating legacy radar systems into a unified digital architecture?
Could this agreement serve as a precedent for Firefly to secure larger, follow-on contracts for space domain awareness and missile defense systems?
































