BOULDER, Colo., May  11, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SciTec, a Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY) company...

BOULDER, Colo., May  11, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SciTec, a Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY) company, has been awarded a contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to support development of the Advanced Algorithm R&D and Verification Architecture. The effort focuses on advancing state-of-the-art sensor system research and development across the electromagnetic spectrum to enhance future capabilities in global persistent awareness.  To meet AFRL’s requirements, SciTec will implement deep learning and other advanced algorithms on small Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) processors to support enhanced target detection, tracking, and custody. These efforts will increase robustness in mission performance and provide a foundation for iterative algorithmic development aligned with future Air Force needs.  SciTec’s proven detection, tracking, and fusion algorithms have been deployed operationally across the Department of War and intelligence community for more than 45 years, supporting missile warning, missile defense, and integrated air and missile defense missions. This longstanding operational pedigree ensures AFRL’s next generation algorithmic advancements will be grounded in proven, mission relevant performance.  “SciTec is honored to support AFRL on this important effort,” said Dr. Jen Wilber, Executive Director Future Systems at SciTec. “Our teams have spent decades developing and operationalizing advanced sensing and data processing technologies for national defense missions. We are excited to contribute our expertise to this program and support AFRL’s ongoing work to advance capabilities that strengthen global awareness and mission readiness.”  About SciTec, Inc.  SciTec, a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, is a leader in advanced defense technologies, delivering the speed and innovation needed to outpace today’s threats. Headquartered in Princeton, N.J., SciTec has more than four decades of experience supporting high-stakes national security missions with AI-enabled defense software and cloud-based, on-premise, and edge processing. SciTec’s industry-leading software and big data processing capabilities are proven in operations for missile warning and defense; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; space domain awareness; remote sensing and analysis; and autonomous command and control. For more information visit, www.scitec.com.  About Firefly Aerospace Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables government and commercial customers to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for responsive space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with approximately 24-hour notice. Firefly is also the only company to achieve a fully successful landing on the Moon. Established in 2017, Firefly’s engineering, manufacturing, and test facilities are co-located in central Texas to enable rapid innovation. The company’s small- to medium-lift launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles are built with common flight-proven technologies to enable speed, reliability, and cost efficiencies for each mission from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. For more information, visit www.fireflyspace.com.  Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” including, but not limited to, statements regarding SciTec’s expected use of deep learning and other advanced algorithms, expectations for mission performance and iterative algorithmic development, statements of SciTec’s executive director future systems and other statements regarding Firefly’s future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions, future events or performance that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “set,” “prepare,” “may,” “will,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “would,” “target”, “intends,” and “believes.” There may also be negative words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans, or intentions. Not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date hereof. These statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs concerning future developments, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. We cannot assure you that the events reflected in the forward-looking statements will occur; actual events could differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. In addition to the risks and uncertainties of our ordinary business operations and conditions in the general economy and markets in which we compete, the forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to the risks, uncertainties, and other factors disclosed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, which risks, uncertainties, and other factors could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date as of which such statement is made, and except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events; etc.  Media Contactspress@fireflyspace.com  A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a3757adb-62c7-4d4a-b2b0-4fa85b8be731  
            
        
                
                        Firefly Aerospace Subsidiary SciTec Awarded AFRL Contract

                SciTec’s proven detection, tracking, and fusion algorithms have been deployed operationally across t...

Firefly Aerospace Subsidiary SciTec Awarded AFRL Contract for Advanced Algorithm R&D and Verification Architecture

SciTec Secures New AFRL Contract, Enhancing FLY's Defense Technology Portfolio

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>BOULDER, Colo., May  11, 2026  (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SciTec, a Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY) company...</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Firefly Aerospace&#039;s subsidiary, SciTec, has secured a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to advance state-of-the-art algorithms for defense. This contract enhances target detection and solidifies SciTec&#039;s role in high-stakes national security, likely boosting FLY&#039;s growth and perception in the defense sector.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>SciTec awarded a contract from AFRL for advanced algorithm R&amp;D.</li><li>New algorithms will enhance target detection and tracking capabilities.</li><li>SciTec&#039;s technology proven in national defense over 45 years.</li><li>Investment in advanced sensor systems strengthens SciTec&#039;s mission readiness.</li><li>Firefly Aerospace expands its footprint in defense and technology sector.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Firefly Aerospace (FLY)</strong>: FLY benefits as SciTec expands its contract-based technology offerings in defense.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Corporate Developments</h3>
    <p>This news falls under &#039;Corporate Developments&#039; as it highlights a strategic contract acquisition, critical for FLY’s growth and positioning in the defense sector, appealing to time-sensitive investors looking for growth catalysts.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>The AFRL contract could lead to increased revenues for FLY.</li><li>Enhanced capabilities might attract further government contracts for SciTec.</li><li>Long-standing operational pedigree strengthens SciTec&#039;s position in defense technology.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Contract awarded on May 11, 2026, to SciTec by AFRL.</li><li>SciTec has over 45 years of experience in defense technologies.</li><li>The initiative focuses on algorithms for electromagnetic spectrum capabilities.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Buy FLY for long-term growth driven by defense contracts and advanced technology advancements.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<article>
    <h2>Firefly Aerospace Subsidiary SciTec Secures AFRL Contract for Advanced Algorithm Development</h2>
    <p>BOULDER, Colo., May 11, 2026 – SciTec, a subsidiary of <strong>Firefly Aerospace</strong> (Nasdaq: <strong>FLY</strong>), has been awarded a significant contract by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This partnership is aimed at advancing the <strong>Advanced Algorithm R&D and Verification Architecture</strong>, focusing on enhancing sensor system capabilities across the electromagnetic spectrum.</p>

    <section>
        <h3>Objectives of the Contract</h3>
        <p>The primary goal of the contract is to enhance global persistent awareness through cutting-edge research and development in sensor systems. SciTec plans to achieve this by implementing deep learning and other advanced algorithms on small Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) processors. This initiative will lead to improvements in:</p>
        <ul>
            <li><strong>Target detection</strong></li>
            <li><strong>Tracking</strong></li>
            <li><strong>Custody</strong></li>
        </ul>
        <p>By using these advanced algorithms, SciTec aims to bolster mission performance and establish a foundational framework for iterative algorithmic development meeting future Air Force requirements.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h3>Proven Track Record in Defense Technologies</h3>
        <p>SciTec boasts over 45 years of experience in the defense sector, with its detection, tracking, and fusion algorithms employed across various military and intelligence operations. These have proven critical in missions related to missile warning, missile defense, and integrated air and missile defense.</p>
        <blockquote>
            <p>“SciTec is honored to support AFRL on this important effort,” stated Dr. Jen Wilber, Executive Director of Future Systems at SciTec. “Our teams have dedicated decades to developing and operationalizing advanced sensing and data processing technologies for national defense missions. We are eager to contribute our expertise to this program and support AFRL's ongoing work to enhance capabilities that fortify global awareness and mission readiness.”</p>
        </blockquote>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h3>About SciTec and Firefly Aerospace</h3>
        <p>SciTec is a wholly owned subsidiary of Firefly Aerospace, a leading company in the fields of space and defense technologies. Based in Princeton, N.J., SciTec has a robust portfolio of advanced defense software and big data processing capabilities. For over four decades, SciTec has played a pivotal role in national security missions through AI-enabled technologies that support:</p>
        <ul>
            <li>Missile warning and defense</li>
            <li>Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance</li>
            <li>Space domain awareness</li>
            <li>Remote sensing and analysis</li>
            <li>Autonomous command and control</li>
        </ul>
        <p>Firefly Aerospace, established in 2017, is notable for its unique ability to launch satellites on short notice and achieve successful lunar landings, making it a vital player in the space technology sector. For more information about SciTec, visit <a href="http://www.scitec.com">www.scitec.com</a>. Learn more about Firefly Aerospace at <a href="http://www.fireflyspace.com">www.fireflyspace.com</a>.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h3>Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements</h3>
        <p>This announcement includes “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to SciTec’s expected use of advanced algorithms and anticipated mission performance. Readers are reminded not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are subject to change based on evolving business environments and potential market conditions.</p>
    </section>

    <section>
        <h3>Contact Information</h3>
        <p>For media inquiries, please contact: <a href="mailto:press@fireflyspace.com">press@fireflyspace.com</a></p>
    </section>
</article>

Firefly Aerospace's subsidiary, SciTec, has secured a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to advance state-of-the-art algorithms for defense. This contract enhances target detection and solidifies SciTec's role in high-stakes national security, likely boosting FLY's growth and perception in the defense sector.

Firefly Aerospace Subsidiary SciTec Awarded AFRL Contract for Advanced Algorithm R&D and Verification Architecture

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Corporate Developments

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