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A NATO RQ-4D Phoenix remotely piloted aircraft at Pirkkala Air Base, Finland, during its first deployment to the country in summer 2025.

PIRKKALA, Finland - June 2025: This month marks the first operating of the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) RQ-4D Phoenix high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) from Finland. This NISRF deployment underscores NATO’s ability to project ISR capability flexibly across the entire Alliance territory, ensuring informed decision-making and effective response wherever and whenever required.

Enhancing Collective Security

The deployment to Pirkkala provided a practical demonstration of NISRF’s ability to reposition its ISR assets at speed, facilitating effective operations from different Allied environments. The rapid and professional transport of NISRF equipment and support material from Sigonella to Pirkkala was carried out by the Portuguese Air Force. This outstanding support is a testament to the strength of Allied cooperation and readiness. By flying missions from Finland, NISRF not only expanded its operational reach, but also contributed directly to shared intelligence efforts in a strategically important region.

A Portuguese Air Force C-130 Hercules delivers NISRF equipment and support material from Sigonella, Italy, to Pirkkala, Finland, enabling the timely start of NATO ISR operations.

NISRF personnel carry mission equipment at Pirkkala Air Base, Finland, in support of RQ-4D Phoenix operations.

Interoperability and Innovation

NISRF's deployment to Finland represents the continued adaptation of NATO's ISR enterprise to the evolving security environment. The RQ-4D Phoenix, operated by a multinational team of personnel, is able to provide wide-area persistent surveillance across thousands of kilometers. Integrating these capabilities with Finnish infrastructure not only enhanced the mission output but also fostered valuable exchange between NISRF and Finnish Air Force personnel.

Impressions from the first NISRF deployment to Finland: From air operations and logistics to international teamwork on the ground – the deployment to Pirkkala showcased Allied ISR capability and cooperation in action.

Voices from the Mission

General Janne Jaakkola 

Commander Finish Defense Forces

It is an honor for Finland to host a capability like this. For a small nation this kind of a capacity is not affordable. But as a member of the Alliance this is now also at our disposal. This is a very integral of our integration into NATO. We learn from each other, learning how to operate in different environment concerning hardware, software but most important human ware. That’s the key. After this successful deployment we know each other better, the procedures and the way of working. I am very pleased that NISRF was able to deploy to Finland and operate from our Air Base in Pirkkala. 

Brigadier General John B. Creel

Commander NISRF

Our presence in Pirkkala reflects the core principles of Agile Combat Employment by projecting capable mission-ready forces that remain flexible, unpredictable, and responsive wherever they are needed. The excellent cooperation has shown how effectively our teams can work together to enhance survivability, adaptability, and operational effectiveness.

Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Gonzalez-Carnero

 NISRF Detachment Commander

The NISRF detachment team has done a tremendous job in integrating with our Finnish hosts and executing missions safely and professionally. We are especially grateful for the outstanding support and cooperation provided by the Finnish Air Force. Their assistance was essential to the success of our operations. Our personnel adapted quickly and effectively to the unique environment here in Finland, working under very different conditions compared to our home base in Sigonella. 

Looking Ahead

The success of the deployment to Finland sets a precedent for future forward operations alongside the Alliance's territory. As NATO continues to adapt and strengthen its deterrence and defence posture, the integration of advanced ISR platforms like the RQ-4D Phoenix will remain a key enabler for informed decision-making and operational readiness.

Video: NISRF in Finland 2025

Related links:

More about NISRF

More about the Commander NISRF

More about the NATO RQ-4D Phoenix

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