NATO’s Only Self-Owned Drone, Phoenix, Helps Allied Warships Detect Threats Beyond Radar Range

NATO’s RQ-4D Phoenix drone conducted maritime surveillance over the GIUK Gap during Exercise Northern Viking 2026.

It tracked surface vessels and shared near-real-time intelligence to support over-the-horizon targeting by allied warships.

The mission showed how NATO-owned surveillance data can extend naval awareness beyond shipboard radar range in the North Atlantic.