President Trump signed an executive order directing NASA to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028, establish a permanent lunar base by 2030, deploy nuclear power systems on the Moon, and accelerate development of the administration's 'Golden Dome' missile defense program. The order aims to attract at least $50 billion in private investment into US space markets by 2028 and pursue a commercial pathway to replace the International Space Station by 2030.

The US Senate has passed the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act in response to a fatal midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in January 2025. The legislation aims to eliminate exemptions for certain government aircraft operating without ADS-B Out, increasing situational awareness for pilots and air traffic controllers.

The Missile Defense Agency (AeroTime) has announced that it has qualified 1,086 more companies to compete for future awards under its Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) program. The new awards bring the total number of firms granted an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) SHEILD contract to over 2,100.

President Trump has released a new executive order setting national space policy, focusing on civil and commercial sectors. The goal is to establish an 'initial' Moon base by 2028 and reiterates the Golden Dome plan for a comprehensive air and missile defense shield over America.

The Pentagon has failed its eighth consecutive audit, restating its goal for a clean audit by 2028. The yearly audit identified 26 material weaknesses and two significant deficiencies in the department's controls for financial reporting in fiscal 2025.

The Senate confirmed Adm. Kevin Lunday as the Coast Guard's new commandant after a nomination was clarified to remove references to hate symbols from policy.

EVE Air Mobility, Embraer's advanced air mobility subsidiary, has completed its maiden flight of an eVTOL prototype at Embraer's test facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil. The aircraft successfully exercised control laws and assessed energy management, with behavior matching predictions from models.

The US Navy has announced plans to pursue a new frigate class based on HII's Legend-class national security cutter. The goal is to have the new ship in the water by 2028.

Changi Airport has launched an immersive exhibition showcasing the ambitious design and innovations planned for its new Terminal 5. Jointly organized by Singapore's Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, and Changi Airport Group, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the vision behind one of the airport's most ambitious expansions through interactive displays, scale models and experiential zones.

In 2025, Breaking Defense covered several high-profile stories that resonated with its audience, including the Army secretary's views on prime contractors, a canceled wearable solicitation, AFRICOM chief warnings about China's efforts to replicate US assistance, potential termination of General Dynamics' oversight of 155mm production lines, and questions surrounding future Gripen sales. These stories reflect the shifting landscape of defense spending and policy changes in 2025.

Qanot Sharq Airlines has become the first Airbus A321XLR operator in Central Asia after taking delivery of its brand-new aircraft. The airline is utilizing its fleet of XLRs to expand its international route network and service key markets across Asia.

Germany has launched production of the Taurus Neo cruise missile with MBDA, a European missile manufacturer. The contract is linked to Germany's next-generation air-launched cruise missile and aims to prepare serial production.

AeroTime reports that London-Heathrow Airport has unveiled plans for a $1.7 billion upgrade program, which will include changes to both Terminal 4 and Terminal 2. The works are part of the airport's five-year investment program, announced on December 19, 2025.

The Royal Australian Air Force has declared final operational capability on the Block 8.1 upgrade program for its C-130J Hercules fleet, operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales. The upgrades, performed by Lockheed Martin and Airbus Australia Pacific, encompass critical improvements to aircraft systems, safety-critical software and hardware, and enhanced communications and navigation suites.

Alaska Airlines is further expanding its network with seven new nonstop routes from Anchorage and Portland, starting in mid-June 2026. The airline will offer long-haul flights to Boston and Spokane, as well as boost capacity on existing routes.

Leonardo, Italy's state-controlled aerospace and defense group, has been awarded a contract to develop and deliver the first four next-generation radars for Italy's long-range ballistic missile defense. The contract was announced on December 18, 2025, by TELEDIFE, the Directorate of Telecommunications, IT and Advanced Technologies of the Italian Ministry of Defence.

American Airlines has debuted its first Airbus A321XLR flight, marking a significant milestone for the carrier. The aircraft features American's Flagship Suite, Premium Economy, and main cabin seating configurations.

Volaris and Viva have announced plans to form a new Mexican airline group by combining operations under a holding company structure. Despite the merger, both airlines will maintain their distinct brands and operate independently.

Pegasus Airlines has signed a deal with CFM International for up to 300 LEAP-1B engines, destined for the airline's future Boeing 737-10 fleet. The Turkish carrier has a long history with CFM International, having become the first LEAP engine operator in 2016.

AeroTime reports that aircraft leasing has grown significantly over the last five decades, driven by airlines' need for capital-light models, access to fuel-efficient aircraft, and simplified cross-border financing. However, this structural shift has introduced new challenges, including technical risk, which can be mitigated through engineering-led oversight.