Defense technology firm Space-Eyes will go public through a $638 million merger with McKinley Acquisition Corp, with Eric Trump joining the company as a strategic adviser.

Key Points

• The Miami-based company specializes in AI-powered counter-drone and geospatial intelligence technologies for government and corporate clients.
• Eric Trump, the third-largest private investor in Space-Eyes, will advise the firm on security threats and help identify board candidates.
• The merger is expected to generate up to $251.7 million in gross proceeds to fund business expansion and manufacturing.
• Space-Eyes is currently negotiating $35 million in new contracts, a significant increase from its current annual revenue of approximately $1 million.
• The company plans to scale operations to target diverse sectors, including Caribbean drug interdiction, Middle Eastern defense, and U.S. prison security.

Why it Matters

This deal highlights the surging investor appetite for defense technology as global demand for AI-driven drone detection and autonomous systems continues to rise. By leveraging high-profile advisory roles and fresh capital, Space-Eyes aims to transition from a research-focused entity into a major player in the government contracting market.