NATO update

 

31 July 2026 Update

NATO fighter jets scramble, shoot down drone after it enters Romania airspace In the morning hours of 24 July 2026, two Romanian F-16s at Fetești Air Base and two Italian Eurofighters at Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base scrambled under NATO command and control to identify an unknown unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flying close to Romanian airspace. (Story courtesy of Allied Air Command) Read more

Neptune Strike 26-3 validates NATO's ability to command and integrate Allied forces Neptune Strike 26-3, conducted from 17–23 July 2026, demonstrated NATO's ability to command and integrate multinational forces during multi-domain operations across the High North, North Atlantic and multiple areas of responsibility (AORs). Led tactically by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), the activity brought together carrier and expeditionary strike groups, Standing NATO Maritime Forces, submarines, air assets, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities under a unified operational framework. (Story courtesy of JFC Norfolk) Read more Italian, Spanish and Turkish air defence detachments replace the French, Portuguese and Romanian jets assigned for NATO Air Policing mission RAMSTEIN, Germany – The Italian Air Force, Spanish Air and Space Force and Turkish Air Force will deploy their fighter jets to contribute to the security of NATO airspace along the Eastern Flank, as part of the NATO Air Defence mission. Read more Commander JFC Naples visits Kosovo, reaffirms NATO and KFOR's commitment to safety and security PRISTINA, Kosovo - Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Admiral George M. Wikoff, visited Kosovo this week to engage with military, civilian and local leaders, reaffirming NATO's enduring commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment, and freedom of movement for all communities under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. (Story courtesy of Allied Joint Force Command Naples) Read more JFC Naples Commander commends swift Allied coordination over Romanian airspace "NATO is vigilant and remains ready, willing and able to defend against any threat, from any direction,” said Admiral George M. Wikoff, US Navy Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples in an official statement. “Today’s operation against the latest drone incursion over Romanian airspace was coordinated by NATO. I commend the professionalism of Romania’s armed forces, and all those Allies involved in the recent drone incidents over Romania. It is a clear demonstration of Allied solidarity and shows NATO’s response to any threat is quick and decisive." (Story courtesy of Allied Joint Force Command Naples) Read more Allied and partner naval forces strengthen Ukraine's mine countermeasures readiness during Exercise Sea Breeze Exercise Sea Breeze 26-2 concluded on 24 July following two weeks of intensive multinational mine countermeasures training off the south coast of the United Kingdom. Co-led by the US Sixth Feet and Ukraine and hosted by the Royal Navy, the exercise brought together NATO Allies and Partner nations to strengthen the Ukrainian Navy's mine countermeasures capabilities through realistic, multinational training. (Story courtesy of Allied Maritime Command) Read more Dutch facilities host Multinational Weapons Instructor Course (WIC) at Leeuwarden Air Base From 6-10 July, the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force hosted the Multinational Weapons Instructor Course convening 24 students from Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. The course put together fighter pilots, intelligence officers, air battle managers, tactical airlift crews and ground-based air defence personnel.(Story courtesy of Allied Air Command) Read more Denmark’s Conscription Is Changing | From Civilian to Soldier Denmark’s conscription system is changing. Watch Danish conscripts train to become soldiers during the Royal Life Guards’ demanding final field exercise. Watch Video BMD Capabilities Officer Do you have expert knowledge of Ballistic Missile Defence Capabilities? NATO’s Office of Resources is hiring! Requirements: Master’s degree in computer science, electronic engineering or very closely related science/engineering fields At least 5 years relevant experience Project management skills Ability to communicate complex technical and financial advice Apply by 6 September