The NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) took part in Neptune Strike 26-3, a NATO Enhanced Vigilance Activity (EVA) conducted from 17 to 23 July 2026 in the High North and North Atlantic as part of the wider Arctic Sentry framework.
The activity was led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) and brought together Allied naval, air and joint forces to enhance interoperability, improve operational readiness and strengthen NATO’s ability to conduct multi-domain operations in one of its most strategically significant regions.
The NISRF operated its RQ-4D Phoenix unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Sigonella Air Base in Italy, providing continuous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage throughout Neptune Strike 26-3 while supporting Find, Fix and Track (F2T) processes.
The Force’s timely and persistent ISR support enhanced the shared operational picture, providing commanders with the situational awareness needed to effectively plan, coordinate and execute complex multi-domain operations across the exercise area.
During Neptune Strike 26-3, NISRF provided commanders of participating forces with timely intelligence, supporting operational planning, situational awareness, and decision-making in a dynamic operational environment.
“Neptune Strike once again demonstrated the value of persistent, multinational ISR in supporting NATO operations. Every mission strengthens our interoperability with Allied forces while reinforcing our ability to deliver the timely intelligence commanders need to make informed decisions. Through its continued contributions to major Alliance activities, NISRF has established itself as a trusted and reliable ISR capability, ensuring the Force remains ready to support the Alliance’s operational requirements today and well into the future,” said Brigadier General John B. Creel, Commander of the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force, highlighting the Force’s continued contribution to Alliance activities.
Participation in major NATO exercises and EVAs across a wide range of operational environments continues to enhance the NISRF’s readiness, interoperability and operational expertise with each deployment. These activities are also important steps towards achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC) and ensuring that NATO retains a persistent and responsive strategic ISR capability wherever it is needed.
Cover photo: Two NATO owned RQ-4D Phoenix aircraft at the NISRF hangar at Italian Air Force Base Sigonella. (Photo © PAO NISRF)
Press materials of the NISRF Public Affairs Office were used.
