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On October 13, 2025, SpaceX launched its 11th full-scale Starship test flight from Texas, marking the final flight of the second-generation rocket. The Super Heavy booster executed a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, while the Starship upper stage deployed eight mock Starlink satellites and splashed down in the Indian Ocean. This flight tested new heat shield configurations and dynamic maneuvers, advancing NASA’s Artemis lunar goals and SpaceX’s Mars ambitions.
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In late October 2025, FBI Director Patel used a government jet to attend a performance by his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, at Pennsylvania State University. The trip sparked media scrutiny and led to the ousting of a senior FBI aviation official. Patel defended his travel as compliant with rules, while criticism continues amid broader concerns about his personal use of government aircraft.
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Pedro Hernandez, convicted in 2017 for the murder of Etan Patz, has had his conviction overturned and is now set for a retrial. The Manhattan DA's office announced readiness to proceed, with jury selection due by June 1, or Hernandez will be released. The case remains a landmark in child abduction history.
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Turkey has begun constructing its TF-2000 naval air defense destroyer, part of the Steel Dome multi-layered system, and signed a deal to export a light corvette to Romania. The country is also developing its domestic missile and radar systems amid regional tensions.
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As of late 2025, the world's top 100 arms manufacturers reported record revenues of $679 billion in 2024, a 5.9% increase driven mainly by European and U.S. companies amid wars in Ukraine and Gaza. However, Asia and Oceania saw a slight decline due to corruption scandals delaying Chinese arms contracts, raising doubts about China's military modernization.
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U.S. military and industry are rapidly developing autonomous and swarm drone technology, with recent deployments in the Middle East and increased domestic manufacturing efforts. These innovations aim to enhance battlefield mass, autonomy, and rapid production, reflecting a shift towards cheaper, disposable drones and autonomous systems amid global competition.
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China announced sanctions on 20 US defense companies and 10 individuals in response to the US's $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan. The measures freeze assets in China, ban business dealings, and bar entry for targeted individuals, escalating tensions over Taiwan's security and US-China relations.