As one of NATO’s enhanced Vigilance Activities (eVAs), Neptune Strike is a recurring series designed to strengthen collective defence, deterrence and year-round readiness through flexible, multinational training tailored to evolving operational requirements.
Neptune Strike 26-3 marked the first time the activity expanded into the High North and North Atlantic alongside eVA Arctic Sentry, led by Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC Norfolk). Operating in one of the Alliance’s most strategically significant regions, the activity demonstrated NATO’s ability to extend its operational reach, integrate multinational capabilities and strengthen command relationships across the maritime, air and amphibious domains.
The activity also highlighted NATO’s ability to synchronise operations across multiple areas of responsibility. Close coordination between JFC Norfolk, JFC Brunssum and JFC Naples ensured unity of effort through aligned planning, command and execution.
Operating under STRIKFORNATO’s tactical command, Allied forces validated command-and-control structures, refined operational procedures and trained in the demanding Arctic environment. These activities enhanced regional awareness, strengthened the security of transatlantic sea lines of communication and improved NATO’s ability to reinforce Europe rapidly during a crisis.
For participating nations such as Spain, Neptune Strike provided valuable experience operating beyond traditional areas of responsibility. Vice Admiral Juan Bautista Pérez Puig, Commander of the Spanish Maritime Forces Headquarters (COMSPMARFOR), highlighted the importance of operating in the High North to improve regional expertise, situational awareness and Allied interoperability.
Throughout the activity, Allied maritime, air and amphibious forces demonstrated integrated operational capabilities:
The United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group, centred on HMS Prince of Wales, and the Spanish Expeditionary Strike Group, led by ESPS Castilla, operated alongside Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) and Allied surface combatants. Integrated carrier strike, amphibious and maritime warfare training—including replenishment-at-sea, simulated maritime interdiction and cross-deck aviation with a French destroyer—demonstrated NATO’s ability to combine national capabilities into a cohesive multinational force.
📷Joint Force Command Brunssum
Reflecting on the Carrier Strike Group’s contribution, Commodore Richard Hewitt, Commander of the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group, said:
Over the past three months, we have proven the UK Carrier Strike Group’s capabilities repeatedly, committing this capability to NATO and demonstrating our determination to defend NATO’s northern flank. We have shown how we can generate and sustain combat power and, when called upon, defend our NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force Allies against threats in the High North and North Atlantic. Neptune Strike has provided a successful conclusion to this period, demonstrating our capability and supporting NATO deterrence across the Euro-Atlantic area.
Air operations showcased multinational integration across the Alliance. UK F-35B Lightning aircraft conducted long-range missions supported by Royal Air Force Voyager, French A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and Italian KC-767 aerial refueling aircraft. The NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) further enhanced situational awareness and supported commanders’ decision-making.Led by the Spanish Expeditionary Strike Group, more than 700 Spanish Marines rehearsed planning for expeditionary operations in the High North. While no amphibious landings were conducted, the planning process strengthened multinational coordination, demonstrating NATO’s ability to rapidly assemble and synchronise multinational amphibious capabilities should operational requirements require it.Allied forces also integrated autonomous systems alongside crewed platforms to enhance intelligence collection, logistics support and maritime awareness. During Find-Fix-Track (F2T) operations, NATO AWACS aircraft and the NISRF improved detection and tracking, while autonomous maritime systems increased operational flexibility and reduced risk to personnel.