TRAPANI, Italy - NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) successfully executed its first live diversion to Trapani Air Base on December 10th, 2024. This significant milestone marks a strategic expansion of the Force’s operational reach and flexibility.
By expanding our operational footprint, we enhance our flexibility to provide critical intelligence and surveillance support to NATO and its member nations, whenever and wherever it is needed.
"This successful diversion to Trapani is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our personnel and the outstanding support of Italian Air Force 37th Wing and NATO AEW&C FOB Trapani.” said Brigadier General Andrew Clark, Commander NISRF. “By expanding our operational footprint, we enhance our flexibility to provide critical intelligence and surveillance support to NATO and its member nations, whenever and wherever it is needed."
The NATO RQ-4D PNOENIX during the first landing of this type of aircraft at Trapani airport in northern Sicily, Italy.
NISRF, headquartered in Sigonella, Italy, is a vital component of NATO’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) architecture. Its fleet of five NATO RQ-4D PHOENIX remotely piloted aircraft, and a team of highly skilled analysts, provide critical intelligence products to NATO decision-makers and member nations.
By diversifying its operational footprint to include Trapani Air Base, NISRF enhances its ability to respond to evolving security challenges and provide timely, actionable intelligence. This strategic move allows the Force to adapt to changing operational requirements, ensuring continuous surveillance and monitoring of critical areas of interest.
The successful launch of a new mission from Trapani on December 11th underscores NISRF’s commitment to operational excellence and its ability to rapidly execute complex ISR missions. This achievement reinforces the Force’s role as a key enabler for NATO’s collective security.