British F-35s operated from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, adding a carrier-based fifth-generation component to the activity. Danish and Dutch F-35s joined them alongside French Air and Space Force Rafale and Mirage fighters.
The activity was led by NATO Allied Air Command and conducted under the enhanced Vigilant Activity Eastern Sentry framework. It was supported by Neptune Strike, led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, or STRIKFORNATO.
The participation of F-35s from three NATO nations demonstrated how land- and carrier-based fifth-generation aircraft can operate within a broader Allied force. The training connected fighters with naval forces, land units and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets.
Tanker aircraft from France, Türkiye and the Multinational MRTT Unit supported the operation. Their participation extended the range and endurance of the fighter force.
A NATO RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft also provided intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support. The platform is operated by the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force.
Its contribution helped participating units develop and maintain a common picture of the operating environment. That shared understanding supported coordination among forces operating across air, land and maritime domains.
Allied forces practiced the Find, Fix, Track and Target process, known as F2T2. The process allows commanders to identify potential threats, establish their location, monitor their movements and coordinate a response.
The training linked sensors, command elements and operational units from multiple NATO countries. Participants also practiced countering and neutralizing threats while maintaining multinational coordination in demanding conditions.
For the participating F-35 units, the activity placed fifth-generation fighters inside a wider multi-domain targeting architecture. NATO used the event to sharpen coordination between combat aircraft, surveillance assets, tankers, naval forces and land-based capabilities across the eastern flank.
