Urban Sky Receives $11.3M APFIT Award to Operationalize Stratospheric Capabilities
Urban Sky, a leading U.S. stratospheric technology company, has been awarded $11.3 million through the Department of War’s Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program. The funding will accelerate the production and deployment of Urban Sky’s stratospheric Microballoons™ (mHABs) and low-SWaP sensing payloads, enabling the U.S. military to operationalize stratospheric capabilities at scale.
Operational Impact and Strategic Importance
The award represents a significant step from prototype demonstration to fielding tactical stratospheric systems, providing military operators with persistent sensing and communications capabilities over vast areas without relying solely on aircraft, drones, or satellites.
Urban Sky’s WALLABEE low-SWaP sensing system was recognized for its operational relevance and selected in coordination with the U.S. Northern Command, Department of the Army’s DAMI-ST, OUSW R&E, and SOF AT&L. The company’s growth is also supported by the Colorado Congressional Delegation, reflecting a commitment to domestic production and job creation in advanced aerospace and manufacturing.
The APFIT award will expand Urban Sky’s operations in Colorado, strengthening the domestic production of stratospheric platforms and payloads, while enabling the U.S. military to rapidly procure innovative, mission-ready capabilities.
