Jul 28 2026

NISRF Enhances NATO's Multi-Domain ISR During Neptune Strike 26-3

A RQ-4D Phoenix returns to Italian Air Force Base Sigonella following its participation in Neptune Strike 26-03. (Photo: PAO NISRF)

SIGONELLA, Italy – The NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) supported Neptune Strike 26-3, a NATO Enhanced Vigilance Activity conducted in the High North and North Atlantic as part of Arctic Sentry. Led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), the activity brings together Allied maritime, air and joint forces to strengthen interoperability, readiness and multi-domain operations in one of NATO’s strategically important regions.

Operating the RQ-4D Phoenix from Italian Air Force Base Sigonella, NISRF provided persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) collection throughout the activity while supporting Find-Fix-Track processes. By delivering timely and persistent ISR, the Force contributed to the shared operational picture and supported commanders in executing complex multi-domain operations across the exercise area.

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

Throughout Neptune Strike 26-3, NISRF delivered timely intelligence products, providing commanders with the information required to support operational planning, situational awareness and decision-making in a dynamic operational environment.

Two NATO-owned RQ-4D Phoenix aircraft at the NISRF hangar at Italian Air Force Base Sigonella. (PAO NISRF)

A NISRF intelligence analyst processes ISR information in support of the third iteration of the Neptune Strike 2026 series. (PAO NISRF)

Brigadier General John B. Creel, Commander of the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force, highlighted the Force's continued contribution to Alliance activities.

"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."

As NISRF continues to support major NATO exercises and enhanced vigilance activities across multiple operational environments, each mission further strengthens the Force's readiness, interoperability and operational experience. These contributions continue to support the Force's progression towards Full Operational Capability (FOC) while ensuring NATO maintains a persistent and responsive strategic ISR capability wherever it is required.

Story by NISRF Public Affairs Office