The NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a ceremony at Italian Air Force Base Sigonella, NATO stated.
The milestone marks the transformation of the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force, established in 2015, into today’s permanent multinational ISR formation. In his address, Brigadier General John B. Creel, NISRF Commander, said:
“What started as an ambitious program ten years ago has become a permanent NATO Force. NISRF delivers intelligence for the Alliance every single day, thanks to the dedication of our multinational team and the steadfast support of our Host Nation, Italy.”
Originally activated in October 2015, the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force received its first RQ-4D Phoenix aircraft in November 2019 and achieved Initial Operational Capability in 2021. The unit was re-designated as the NATO ISR Force in September 2023, expanding its mission and becoming a permanent element of NATO’s force structure.
Earlier this year, NISRF conducted its first sustained forward deployment, operating a Phoenix aircraft for several weeks from Finland. NATO described the mission as a demonstration of the Force’s growing flexibility and operational reach.
The anniversary ceremony included accounts from members who joined during the early years in Sigonella. Floriana B., Deputy Legal Advisor and NATO International Civilian, recalled: “When I first joined the Force in 2016, we were probably less than 100 people – a small team with big dreams! We started with literally nothing. Everything you see today was nothing more than a vision.”
NISRF now unites analysts, operators, maintainers and flight crews from across the Alliance. From its base in Sicily, the Force provides intelligence to NATO commanders, enhancing situational awareness and supporting decision-making.
Brigadier General Creel closed the ceremony by saying: “Ten years in Sigonella are only the beginning. NISRF will continue to adapt, innovate, and deliver for NATO – today and tomorrow.”
