The activity follows earlier ACE operations in Norway. NISRF is currently operating two of its five NATO-owned RQ-4D Phoenix remotely piloted aircraft from Pirkkala, Finland.
The aircraft are providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in support of NATO’s premier air exercise. While the aircraft are operating from Finland, mission execution remains distributed across several locations.
Pilots, sensor operators and ISR specialists continue to support operations from Sigonella. Information collected by the RQ-4D Phoenix is analysed there and turned into intelligence products for Ramstein Flag 2026.
NATO said the activity demonstrates NISRF’s ability to integrate personnel, aircraft and ISR capabilities across multiple locations. Operating from Finland allows the force to maximise aircraft availability for training and mission support while maintaining its core ISR enterprise in Sigonella.
“The ability to contribute to major NATO activities such as Exercise Ramstein Flag 2026 while conducting an ongoing ACE from Finland demonstrates the adaptability of the Force and the professionalism of our personnel,” said Brigadier General John B. Creel, Commander NISRF. “From the aircraft operating in northern Europe to the crews and ISR specialists supporting the mission from southern Europe, this effort highlights the value of a truly integrated NATO capability in support of Alliance readiness and collective defence.”
The ongoing ACE has been supported by extensive Host Nation Support during operations in Norway and Finland. NATO said Norwegian and Finnish partners have played a critical role, from transporting equipment and material from Sigonella to providing local logistics, infrastructure and personnel support.
“Host Nation Support has been fundamental to the success of this ACE,” said Lieutenant Colonel Christoph Lehmann, NISRF Detachment Commander. “The cooperation and dedication demonstrated by our Finnish partners here in Pirkkala enabled us to rapidly establish operations and continue supporting NATO activities from this deployed location.”
“Their contribution has been critical to the success of the mission,” Lehmann said. NATO said the cooperation enabled NISRF to continue supporting Alliance activities from a deployed location.
Ramstein Flag 2026 brings together Allied aircraft, personnel and capabilities from across the Alliance. The exercise is intended to strengthen interoperability, readiness and collective defence.
NISRF’s participation provides persistent ISR to the exercise. NATO said it also further demonstrates the force’s ability to operate effectively from locations beyond its main operating base.
The ongoing operation reflects the progress NISRF has made in recent years. NATO said it also shows the growing maturity of the force as it continues its path towards Full Operational Capability.
