Firefly Aerospace’s SciTec has won a $93.7 million U.S. Space Force contract to modernize ground-based radar systems. The work will focus on creating a common design and architecture that can help upgrade older radar infrastructure and support future defense needs.
The firm-fixed-price agreement covers ground-based radar digitization. The goal is to develop a common approach for upgrading different radar systems instead of treating each system as a separate project.
SciTec, a wholly owned Firefly Aerospace company, will carry out the work for Space Systems Command in Colorado Springs, Colorado. SciTec has more than four decades of experience in defense software, data processing and systems used for missile warning and other national security missions.
Ground-based radars are important for detecting, tracking threats
Ground-based radars are important for detecting and tracking threats, but older systems can be difficult and expensive to upgrade. A shared architecture could make it easier to modernize different radar systems and reduce the need for separate solutions.
The program will focus on digitizing ground-based radar capabilities and developing a common architecture for future upgrades. In simple terms, this means creating a more consistent technical foundation that different radar systems can use as they are modernized.
SciTec already develops data processing and defense software for missions such as missile warning, missile defense and space domain awareness. The company has also supported the Space Force’s FORGE ground system, giving it experience with large defense data and processing programs.
Radar architecture is intended to support US defense missions
The upgraded radar architecture is intended to support U.S. defense missions that depend on reliable detection and tracking. It could also make future improvements easier to deploy across a wider radar network.
SciTec President David Simenc said the effort is intended to modernize important radar infrastructure while helping control long-term costs for the government and military. The contract adds another major national security program to Firefly’s growing defense business.
The contract is focused on modernization and architecture development. The announcement does not provide a detailed schedule for completed radar upgrades or guarantee specific improvements in detection performance.
The main breakthrough is creating a common architecture for modernizing ground-based radars. A more standardized approach could make future radar upgrades easier to manage and help the Space Force adapt its ground systems as threats and technology change.
The award also shows how Firefly is expanding beyond rockets and spacecraft through SciTec. Firefly acquired SciTec in 2025 to add defense software, data processing and national security capabilities to its space business.
