HM Government

Germany’s Bundeswehr launched its annual Gelber Merkur exercise to practice rapid relocation of command posts under combat conditions, involving about 1,200 soldiers.

European Parliament and Council agreed on implementing EUUS tariff commitments, with safeguards and a fiveyear lobster extension, as the European Commission welcomed the deal.

Germany detailed continuous NATO air policing, with Luftwaffe Eurofighters on quick reaction alert coordinated through Allied Air Command.

Parliament approved EU rules to screen foreign investments in sensitive sectors, citing security risks and boosting member state cooperation.

UK backed 13 SMEled defence projects with contracts up to £4m each to speed MoD procurement, building on recent Apache support drone and antidrone initiatives.

Sixgovernment week: UKFrance push Hormuz security mission, EU tests nature rules, Germany advances counter‐drone and medical readiness, Netherlands funds elder housing and moves on avian flu.

Germany outlined its 3,600 kcal singlesoldier EPa ration and noted expanded stockpiles since 2014 to support field readiness in harsh conditions.

UK deployed APKWS on RAF Typhoons in the Middle East to counter drones at lower cost, strengthening air defence for UK and allies, according to HM Government.

UK warned at ECOSOC that the Hormuz crisis is straining food and energy security, as the US met Trinidad and Tobago on energy cooperation amid a 38nation mission to secure shipping.

UK pressed for Syria’s political transition and accountability at the UN Security Council, highlighting 15.6 million people in need and ongoing humanitarian operations.

HM Government funded Project NYX, selecting four UKbased teams to develop autonomous drones that enhance Apache helicopter operations.

On 14 May 2026, the UK used the OSCE to condemn Russia’s mass strikes on Kyiv, flagged sanctions tied to child deportations, and reaffirmed support for OSCE field work.

UK reforms Single Source Contract Regulations, adding up to 10% profit incentives for timely delivery and raising the single source contract threshold to £25m.

European Commission launched three Calls for Evidence and a fourweek feedback on an implementing act to credit thirdcountry carbon prices against CBAM liabilities.

Beijing and Dushanbe deepened ties with a new treaty and 10 cooperation documents, focusing on economic, security and peopletopeople cooperation.

UK committed HMS Dragon, Typhoon jets, minehunting drones, £115m and 1,000 personnel to a multinational mission securing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

EU issued transport guidance; France advanced rail works; Germany expanded conscription infrastructure; UK made a remote medical airdrop; Netherlands revised border checks; US named CUAS sites.

At a Brussels forum, the European Commission announced a €15m technical assistance hub and €14m for AlRastan Hospital within a €175m Syria recovery package and €620m program.

UK and France moved to advance a multinational Strait of Hormuz mission, with HMS Dragon to preposition, aiming to secure navigation and stabilise commercial shipping.