NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance

NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF)

• NISRF provides high-quality intelligence to NATO decision-makers and member countries.
• Established in 2015, it supports unified ISR operations.
• Coordinates with Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) under Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
• NISRF is crucial for NATO's operational readiness.
• Provides intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to NATO.
• Employs air and ground-based technologies, including 5 RQ-4D "Phoenix" remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs).
• Enables rapid, permanent, and long-range land and sea surveillance in any weather conditions.
• Gives commanders a clear picture of the situation in their areas of responsibility.
• Contributes to broader situational awareness for NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
• Supports various activities like protecting forces/civilians, border control, maritime security, counter-terrorism, crisis management, and humanitarian aid.
• Main Operating Base is located in Sigonella, Italy.

RQ-4D "Phoenix" Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)

• Equipped with multi-platform radar technology insertion program (MP-RTIP).
• Includes synthetic aperture radar (SAR) ground surveillance radar sensors.
• Features line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight, long-range, wideband data links.
• High-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
• Powered by Rolls Royce-North American AE 3007H turbofan.
• Wingspan of 130.9 ft (39.8 m).
• Thrust of 7,600 lbf (33800 N).
• Length is 47.6 ft (14.5 m).
• Maximum take-off weight of 32,250 lbs (14,628 kg).
• Fuel capacity of 17,300 lbs (7,847 kg)
• Payload of 3,000 lbs (1,360 kg)
• Speed of 310 knots / 357 mph / 575 kph.
• Range of 8,700 nautical miles / 10,112 miles / 16,113 km.
• Service ceiling of 60,000 ft (18,288 m).
• Maximum weight of 14,950 lbs (6,781 kg).
• Height: 15.3 ft (4.7 m)