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Allied forces conduct complex training in Poland and Lithuania as part of Neptune Strike 25 2

NATO Allied Air Command

Jul 27 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- On July 24, forces from NATO nations conducted a NATO-led Find, Fix, Track, and Target (F2T2) exercise over Poland and Lithuania, strengthening Allied integration, interoperability, and combat effectiveness.

F2T2 missions demand precise coordination across all warfighting domains (air, land, maritime, cyber, and space) employing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets to locate and communicate potential target locations to other aircraft with capabilities to strike the targets in an established time limit. Fighter jets (from Germany, Poland, Romania, and the US) and surface-stationed missile defense systems (from Poland and the US) operated jointly in a complex scenario, showcasing NATO's ability to execute coordinated, multi-domain operations.

During the mission, NATO's Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) provided airborne command and control, facilitating cross-domain coordination to locate targets and swiftly relay their positions to air and ground assets with strike capabilities. The large number of air assets involved offered a valuable training opportunity for the weapon controllers operating on board the NATO E3-A, increasing the ability of different NATO nations to operate together to the same high standard.

"F2T2 provides a unique one-day-training opportunity involving numerous air assets. The major advantage is that we can train with a wide range of aircraft under control, seamlessly integrating this into our regular operation schedule" said Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Patino Patino, NATO AWACS Squadron 2 Commander.

Air-to-Air refueling capabilities were also granted thanks to the support provided by Multinational Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) Unit and French A330s, a highly versatile aircraft capable of refueling, medical evacuation operations and transporting cargo and personnel.

The event was executed as part of the ongoing second iteration of NATO's prime enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) Neptune Strike 2025, serving to collective operational skills while fostering trust and confidence among NATO allies. It combined participating air assets, including fighter jets from Finland, Greece, Italy, Romania, UK, US and US KC-135 tankers, with the Gerald. R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRF CSG) to maximize Air-Maritime synchronization.

"Our Neptune Strike enhanced vigilance activities represent important opportunities to coordinate and employ a wide range of combat forces throughout the European theater and demonstrate our combined capability to respond to crises and provide collective defence to the Alliance" said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of STRIKFORNATO.

The Neptune Strike series are vigilance activities, which are deliberately planned and dynamically executed in support of NATO's deterrence objectives, guided and directed by NATO's Supreme Allied Headquarters Europe (SHAPE). Neptune Strike activities are conducted in compliance with international law and standards and are defensive in nature.

NATO's ability to deliver precise, integrated, multi-domain effects underscores its readiness and capability to protect NATO territory and populations, safeguard NATO airspace, and deter potential aggression - ensuring the continued security and stability of the Alliance.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office