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From Concept to Capability: NISRF operates the NATO RQ-4D Phoenix from Finland

NATO Allied Air Command

Jun 30 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.

"It is an honour 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" said General Janne Jaakkola Commander Finish Defence Forces.

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 kilometres. Integrating these capabilities with Finnish infrastructure not only enhanced the mission output but also fostered valuable exchange between NISRF and Finnish Air Force personnel.

Brigadier General John B. Creel, Commander NISRF said "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.

"The NISRF detachment team has done a tremendous job in integrating with our Finnish hosts and executing missions safely and professionally," said Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Gonzalez-Carnero, NISRF Detachment Commander. "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" he added.

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.

Story by NATO Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF)