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NISRF Strengthens NATO's Maritime Vigilance During Neptune Strike

NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF)

Nov 24 2025

SIGONELLA, Italy -- The NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) participated in Neptune Strike 25-4, one of NATO's most demanding enhanced vigilance activities led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal. The exercise brings together aircraft carrier strike groups, amphibious forces, and air assets from across the Alliance to demonstrate integrated, high-end maritime strike capabilities and reinforce NATO's deterrence and defence posture.

Operating from Italian Air Force Base Sigonella, NISRF employed the RQ-4D Phoenix to deliver persistent, theatre-wide ISR coverage throughout the exercise. This iteration also marked several important milestones for the Force. For the first time, NISRF integrated its own ISR Package Commander into the exercise construct, assuming a central role in coordinating ISR effects across participating components. It was also the first time the Force supported multiple Find-Fix-Track events simultaneously for two different Joint Force Commands, significantly enhancing the targeting picture across multiple headquarters. Additionally, NISRF demonstrated a new level of operational flexibility by rapidly adapting to emerging targets in a dynamic maritime environment - a key element of Neptune Strike's demanding scenario set.

These contributions directly supported commanders in maintaining freedom of navigation, securing strategic maritime chokepoints, and protecting critical underwater infrastructure - all central objectives of the Neptune Strike series.

Brigadier General John B. Creel, Commander of the NATO ISR Force, highlighted the importance of NISRF's role:

"Neptune Strike 25-4 once again demonstrated how essential strategic ISR is to NATO's multi-domain readiness. Our team delivered exceptional performance throughout the exercise - their professionalism, precision, and dedication were key to enabling commanders to operate effectively in a highly dynamic environment. By integrating the RQ-4D Phoenix into one of NATO's most demanding maritime exercises, we reinforced the Alliance's ability to act decisively and cohesively when it matters most."

Neptune Strike 25-4 provided a valuable opportunity for NISRF to further test new procedures, refine coordination with naval and air components, and validate data-sharing processes within a multi-domain maritime framework. The experience gained - particularly in ISR integration, multi-JFC support, and rapid retasking - will directly strengthen NATO's ISR posture for future vigilance activities and operations.

Through its continued participation, NISRF underscores the growing flexibility, maturity, and operational relevance of NATO's ISR capability, ensuring that Allied decision-makers maintain information advantage in an increasingly contested security environment.

Story by NISRF Public Affairs Office