Home  /  Newsroom  /  News 2026  /  From Infrastructure to Operations: NISRF takes another step toward Full Operational Capability

State-of-the-art equipment and workstations inside NISRF’s new MOSC, where NISRF ISR specialists will soon support NATO ISR missions. (Photo: NISRF/PAO)

SIGONELLA, Italy - The NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) continues to make tangible progress toward achieving Full Operational Capability (FOC). A key step on this path is the build-up of the new Mission Operations Support Center (MOSC) in a recently security-accredited building at the Italian Air Force Base Sigonella, Sicily.

The MOSC, which serves as NISRF’s central mission operations hub during active ISR missions, is currently being established in the new facility. Workstations and supporting IT systems are being installed and integrated, and the MOSC is undergoing a structured testing phase to validate systems, workflows and technical interfaces before any transition into operational use.

Each step we take here moves us closer to Full Operational Capability

Until this process is completed, NISRF continues to conduct mission operations from its existing MOSC located in the unit’s interim infrastructure. This arrangement ensures uninterrupted mission execution while the new facility is prepared in a controlled and secure manner.

The current MOSC continues to support NISRF mission activities as ISR specialists prepare to move into the new operations environment. (Photo: NISRF/Twardy)

A clear view of Mount Etna from NISRF Headquarters, underscoring the strategic location of Sigonella for NATO ISR operations. (Photo: NISRF/PAO)

The security accreditation of the newly installed system a month ago created the essential precondition for this next step. It confirmed that the facility meets NATO security requirements and allows the installation and testing of mission-critical systems. The new system allows the use of state-of-the-art technology in direct support of NISRF's mission.

Brigadier General John B. Creel, Commander of NISRF, highlighted the significance of this milestone: “This facility gives our personnel the tools and workspace they need to conduct NATO ISR operations effectively. Each step we take here moves us closer to Full Operational Capability.”

The phased relocation from interim infrastructure to the new MOSC reflects NISRF’s deliberate approach toward Full Operational Capability. Each milestone - accreditation, installation, testing and eventual transition - contributes to building a resilient and sustainable operational framework for the future.

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