Firefly Aerospace Supports U.S. Space Force VICTUS DIEM Exercise

Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY) supported Lockheed Martin in two U.S. Space Force VICTUS DIEM responsive-space exercises on March 25, 2026.

Rhea-AI Summary

Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY) supported Lockheed Martin in two U.S. Space Force VICTUS DIEM responsive-space exercises on March 25, 2026. The team demonstrated payload processing in under 12 hours and a 36-hour rapid launch simulation to practice emergency launch protocols.

In collaboration with Space System Command’s System Delta 89 (Space Safari) and Space Launch Delta 30, the exercise completed initial mission design, trajectory planning, collision-avoidance analysis, range safety protocols and authorizations, and final launch operations within 36 hours of a simulated notice to launch. VICTUS DIEM aims to refine a repeatable commercial-government rapid-launch process.

Argus Mar 26 session

-2.62% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – FLY

On Mar 26, the first trading day after this news, FLY closed 2.62% below the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Mar 26 session.

Key Figures

Rapid payload ops time: under 12 hours Launch simulation window: 36 hours 2025 Revenue: $159.855 million +5 more

Rapid payload ops time

under 12 hours

VICTUS DIEM rapid payload processing exercise

Launch simulation window

36 hours

Rapid launch simulation for emergency protocols

2025 Revenue

$159.855 million

Full-year 2025 revenue from 8-K

Revenue growth

163%

2025 vs. 2024 revenue growth from 8-K

2025 Net loss

$298.340 million

Full-year 2025 net loss from 8-K

Free Cash Flow

$−237.750 million

Full-year 2025 free cash flow from 8-K

Cash & equivalents

$792.966 million

Year-end 2025 cash balance from 8-K

Registered shares

11,111,116 shares

Common Stock registered for resale in 424B3

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 19

5 events

1. Mar 19

   Earnings results

   24h Move

   +1.1%

   Record 2025 revenue growth and strong 2026 guidance highlighted.

2. Mar 12

   Earnings announcement

   24h Move

   +1.0%

   Set date and webcast details for Q4 2025 earnings release.

3. Mar 11

   Launch success

   24h Move

   +12.8%

   Alpha Flight 7 completed orbital insertion and validated Block II upgrades.

4. Jan 13

   Product upgrade

   24h Move

   -8.1%

   Announced Alpha Block II configuration upgrades and Flight 7 preparations.

5. Dec 22

   Index inclusion

   24h Move

   +16.0%

   Added to Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 benchmark indexes.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

rapid payload processing, tactically responsive space, launch collision avoidance analysis, range safety protocols

4 terms

rapid payload processing technical

"The first exercise included a rapid payload processing demonstration..."

Rapid payload processing describes a company’s ability to handle and move the core item it delivers—such as drug doses, biological samples, satellite instruments, or packaged goods—through testing, manufacturing or logistics faster than usual. For investors, faster processing often means higher throughput, lower per‑unit cost, shorter time to revenue and a competitive edge, much like a faster checkout line increases a store’s sales without adding more space.

tactically responsive space technical

"...required to execute tactically responsive space missions in a real threat scenario."

A tactically responsive space is the capability and area in Earth orbit or nearby space where satellites and systems can be quickly positioned, retasked, or deployed to respond to urgent military or national-security needs. Think of it like a mobile emergency response team in the sky: it matters to investors because companies that build, launch, or operate these fast-turnaround systems can win contracts, see steady funding, and face different technical and regulatory risks than firms focused on long-duration, fixed satellite services.

launch collision avoidance analysis technical

"...flight trajectory planning, launch collision avoidance analysis, range safety protocols..."

Launch collision avoidance analysis assesses the risk that a rocket, its payload, or deployed satellites will collide with other objects in the air or in orbit during and just after launch by comparing planned flight paths to tracked objects. Investors care because the analysis affects whether a launch is allowed to proceed, can cause costly delays, require extra safety measures or insurance, and directly impacts mission success and potential revenue—much like checking traffic before merging to avoid accidents.

range safety protocols technical

"...launch collision avoidance analysis, range safety protocols and authorizations..."

Range safety protocols are the rules, procedures and hardware used to prevent harm when testing or operating vehicles, rockets, weapons or other hazardous equipment in a controlled area. For investors they signal how well an operation manages safety, legal compliance and schedule risk—strong protocols reduce the chance of costly accidents, regulatory shutdowns or insurance losses, much like traffic rules and barriers protect a busy construction site.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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LOMPOC, Calif., March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firefly Aerospace (Nasdaq: FLY), a market-leading space and defense technology company, today announced it supported Lockheed Martin in two responsive space exercises for the U.S. Space Force as part of the VICTUS DIEM mission.

The first exercise included a rapid payload processing demonstration where spacecraft arrival operations, checkouts, mating, and encapsulation were completed in under 12 hours. The second exercise included a 36-hour rapid launch simulation to practice and advance emergency launch protocols required to execute tactically responsive space missions in a real threat scenario.

In collaboration with Space System Command’s (SSC) System Delta 89 Tactically Responsive Space Program, known as Space Safari, and SSC’s Space Launch Delta 30, the team completed the initial mission design, flight trajectory planning, launch collision avoidance analysis, range safety protocols and authorizations, and all final launch operations within 36 hours of receiving a simulated notice to launch.

VICTUS DIEM was created to generate additional opportunities to exercise rapid launch capabilities through commercial partnerships within the government process. The results provide a continued focus on refining and codifying a repeatable process for rapid launch as part of the broader VICTUS program.

Learn more on the VICTUS DIEM exercises from the U.S. Space Force and Lockheed Martin.

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.

Media Contact
press@fireflyspace.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03109178-49a3-4009-a33c-e46f4a88e8e9

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did Firefly Aerospace (FLY) demonstrate in the VICTUS DIEM exercises on March 25, 2026?

Firefly demonstrated sub-12-hour payload processing and a 36-hour rapid launch simulation. According to the company, these exercises tested spacecraft arrival operations, mating, encapsulation, trajectory planning, collision avoidance, and launch authorizations under a simulated notice to launch.

How might the VICTUS DIEM exercises affect Firefly Aerospace (FLY) operational readiness?

The exercises aim to improve Firefly's tactical rapid-launch readiness within commercial-government workflows. According to the company, completing mission design and launch operations within 36 hours reinforces repeatable procedures and interagency coordination for emergency launches.

Who partnered with Firefly Aerospace (FLY) during the VICTUS DIEM responsive-space exercises?

Firefly partnered with Lockheed Martin and Space System Command elements including System Delta 89 (Space Safari) and Space Launch Delta 30. According to the company, the collaboration covered mission design, trajectory planning, range safety, and launch authorizations.

What specific processes were completed within 36 hours during the VICTUS DIEM exercise involving FLY?

The team completed initial mission design, flight trajectory planning, collision-avoidance analysis, range safety protocols, authorizations, and final launch operations within 36 hours. According to the company, these steps were executed after receiving a simulated notice to launch.

Does the VICTUS DIEM activity signal new contracts or financial guidance for Firefly Aerospace (FLY)?

The announcement describes operational exercises and partnerships, not new financial guidance or contract awards. According to the company, VICTUS DIEM provides opportunities to refine rapid-launch processes through commercial-government collaboration rather than announcing procurement outcomes.