Eastern Sentry is a NATO activity intended to enhance vigilance and situational awareness along the Alliance’s eastern flank. It uses the coordinated employment of Allied capabilities across multiple domains.
During the ongoing Agile Combat Employment activity, NISRF operated the RQ-4D Phoenix from Ørland, Norway, and Pirkkala, Finland. The aircraft contributed persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to NATO efforts to strengthen awareness, coordination and readiness across the region.
The activity demonstrated NISRF’s ability to maintain operational effectiveness while using NATO-owned capabilities from dispersed locations. NISRF said this is a key objective of Agile Combat Employment.
“Supporting Eastern Sentry during our ACE highlights the flexibility, readiness and operational value of the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force,” said Brigadier General John B. Creel, Commander NISRF. “Our personnel continue to provide NATO decision-makers with timely and reliable information while operating beyond our Main Operating Base.”
Throughout the activity, NISRF worked closely with host nation partners in Norway and Finland. The force said this demonstrated interoperability and the ability to integrate rapidly into wider NATO activities.
NISRF said its contribution to Eastern Sentry showed how it can deliver operational effects while operating from multiple locations. The activity also demonstrated the value of Agile Combat Employment in support of NATO operations.
