CACI to Acquire Space Technology Firm ARKA for $2.6 Billion
Deal Advances Contractor’s Expansion into Space-Based Sensing and Optical Communications
Washington, D.C. — December 22, 2025 — CACI International, a leading defense and intelligence contractor, announced today its agreement to acquire ARKA Group, a specialized space technology company, in an all-cash transaction valued at $2.6 billion. This acquisition represents a strategic move by CACI to deepen its capabilities in space-based sensing, intelligence systems, and optical communications.
Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, CACI is publicly traded and has a strong presence in defense, intelligence, and national security markets. The company will purchase ARKA from Blackstone Tactical Opportunities, the private equity division of Blackstone that has owned ARKA since 2019 through various acquisitions.
According to CACI leadership, integrating ARKA into its portfolio aligns closely with the company’s strategy to expand its footprint in the national security space sector. “ARKA supports national security missions through its space-based sensor portfolio and ground-based software processing, accelerating the delivery of actionable intelligence to the warfighter,” CACI said in a statement.
About ARKA Group
ARKA Group, based in Danbury, Connecticut, specializes in the development of advanced software for processing and analyzing data acquired from space-based sensors including radar and remote sensing systems. The company’s offerings include sophisticated analytics and data fusion tools that convert raw sensor inputs into actionable intelligence products.
In addition to software, ARKA designs and manufactures space-qualified optical systems and payloads. Its products encompass high-precision telescopes and electro-optical sensors deployed on satellites for remote sensing and intelligence collection missions. ARKA also manufactures small satellite payloads and subsystems, focusing on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications. The company has recently expanded its manufacturing facilities to support payload production and optical coating capabilities.
Strategic Growth in Space Technology
John Mengucci, CACI’s President and CEO, highlighted the significance of the acquisition: “The acquisition of ARKA represents a significant step forward in our space strategy.” CACI’s reach in the space domain currently spans hardware, software, and services. This deal will enhance CACI’s offerings, particularly in optical communications terminals that enable high-speed data links between satellites for the U.S. government.
CACI’s recent contracts further illustrate its commitment to space operations. In 2024, the company secured a 10-year, up to $450 million contract to support the Joint Navigation Warfare Center, an integral part of the U.S. Space Command focused on satellite-based positioning, navigation, and timing systems – critical components for modern defense infrastructure.
“For our shareholders, the acquisition of ARKA positions CACI to capture significant future opportunities in the space domain across the intelligence community, U.S. Space Force, and other Department of Defense customers,” Mengucci added.
Next Steps
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of CACI’s fiscal year 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
This acquisition signals growing momentum in the defense sector to consolidate advanced space technologies that support surveillance, reconnaissance, and secure communications, key areas of importance for national security in an increasingly contested space environment.
For further details on this acquisition and other developments in the space sector, subscribe to SpaceNews for comprehensive coverage of the business and politics of space.
Written by Sandra Erwin, SpaceNews
