SIGONELLA, Italy - The NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) has for the first time participated in the Steadfast Series, contributing its ISR capability to Exercise Steadfast Dart 2026 in support of the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) and Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS).
Steadfast Dart 2026 marks the first large-scale deployment of the Allied Reaction Force within JFC Brunssum’s area of responsibility and demonstrates NATO’s ability to rapidly deploy and integrate forces to reinforce Allied assets in Central Europe. Within this framework, NISRF delivered persistent ISR support tailored to ARF training requirements and Baltic maritime patrol activities.
Demonstrating Operational Integration
For NISRF, participation in Steadfast Dart 2026 represented an important step in further integrating the NATO ISR capability into high-readiness force structures. By supporting the Allied Reaction Force during a large-scale deployment scenario, the Force validated coordination processes, tasking procedures and information exchange under realistic operational conditions.
Integration into the Steadfast Series reflects our steady progress.
NISRF’s ISR support enhanced situational awareness for commanders while enabling maritime domain understanding in the Baltic region. The exercise provided a practical environment to refine workflows, strengthen interoperability with Joint Force Command Brunssum and ensure responsiveness to dynamic operational requirements.
Brigadier General John B. Creel, Commander NISRF, underlined the relevance of the exercise: “Integration into the Steadfast Series reflects our steady progress. Supporting the Allied Reaction Force in a demanding exercise environment demonstrates our ability to deliver reliable, persistent ISR in direct support of operational commanders. Each opportunity to operate alongside high-readiness forces strengthens our preparedness as we continue advancing toward Full Operational Capability.
As NISRF continues its development toward Full Operational Capability, exercises such as Steadfast Dart 2026 provide essential opportunities to test procedures, confirm readiness and reinforce the professionalism of the multinational personnel who deliver NATO’s ISR capability every day.