Ramstein, GERMANY – Led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal, NEPTUNE STRIKE 26 (NEST26) spanned the southern and south-eastern flanks, reinforcing the Alliance’s readiness, cohesion, and responsiveness in a region of critical strategic importance. This iteration concluded on 30 April 2026 showcased the dynamic integration of advanced maritime strike capabilities in a demanding, multi-domain environment. The activity highlighted NATO’s ability to project credible deterrence while remaining flexible and agile in the face of complex and rapidly evolving security challenges.
The enhance Vagility Activity (eVA) NEST26 brought together carrier strike groups, amphibious strike groups, land based, air and maritime forces from across the Alliance, emphasising NATO’s ability to operate seamlessly across domains and national boundaries. Through close cooperation and shared training, Allied forces continue to build trust, sharpen operational effectiveness, and reaffirm their commitment to collective security. NATO hast just concluded the second iteration.
As part of the multi-domain approach, AIRCOM contributed with Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon Eurofighters and Romanian F-16 jets which conducted integrated air operations.
Photo courtesy Royal Air Force
As part of the multi-domain approach, AIRCOM contributed with Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon Eurofighters and Romanian F-16 jets which conducted integrated air operations. The RAF Typhoon aircraft are deployed to Romania as part of NATO’s enhanced Air Policing mission, under Eastern Sentry eVA. The integrated air operations focused on aligning tactics, procedures, and command-and-control arrangements, enabling UK and Romanian aircrews to operate as a single, cohesive force. Operating together strengthened the interoperability and demonstrated how routine assurance activities directly support wider Alliance readiness and collective defence.
The UK and Romanian fighter jets operated alongside forces from Albania, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Montenegro, Portugal, and Türkiye, which enabled crews to align tactics, procedures, and command-and-control arrangements, ensuring they integrated quickly and effectively when needed.
“Being pre-deployed in Romania on our own eVA mission, Eastern Sentry, provided a unique level of efficiency,” said a UK RAF Pilot. “NEPTUNE STRIKE allowed us to step aside from routine operations and train together against complex challenges, proving that we can integrate seamlessly with our counterparts at a moment’s notice.”
NEPTUNE STRIKE allowed us to step aside from routine operations and train together against complex challenges, proving that we can integrate seamlessly with our counterparts at a moment’s notice