Germany, 19–20 February 2026. The Allied Reaction Force (ARF), built around the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps – Italy (NRDC-ITA), conducted Steadfast Dart 2026 in northern Germany, NATO’s main Mission Rehearsal for 2026, ensuring the integration of multi-domain components (land, maritime, air, cyber and space).
At the core of Italy’s contribution was NRDC-ITA Headquarters (which has led the ARF since 2024) and the land component composed of the Multinational Division South (MND-S), the Alpine Brigade “Julia”, the NRDC-ITA Support Brigade, the Logistic Support Command and numerous enabling and specialist joint assets. Together, they accounted for approximately 3,000 Italian Army personnel within a multinational force of over 10,000 troops from 13 NATO Nations.
Particular emphasis was placed on the initial deployment phase, characterised by a significant logistical effort: more than 1,500 ground vehicles, 20 air assets and 17 naval platforms supported the deployment of forces into Germany. In this context, the Defence logistic effort ensured force projection and sustainment through Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOM-I) activities.
With the completion of deployment, Steadfast Dart 2026 transitioned into its execution phase, serving as a key testbed for NATO’s multi-domain integration. The Distinguished Visitors Day (20 February 2026) marked the culmination of the Mission Rehearsal, attended by the Italian Joint Operations Commander (COVI), Lieutenant General Giovanni Maria Iannucci, along with numerous Allied military authorities, including the Commander of Joint Force Command Brunssum, General Ingo Gerhartz, and the German Chief of Defence, General Carsten Breuer.
The live demonstration highlighted interoperability among Allied forces. Alpine infantry units and mountain artillery from the “Julia” Brigade, integrated with Turkish and Spanish manoeuvre units, operated in coordination with Czech and German paratroopers, Spanish special forces and integrated air assets.
Supporting the manoeuvre, Spanish artillery and anti-tank units, Italian engineer elements and advanced Counter-UAS capabilities contributed to the tactical scenario, which concluded with a final assault conducted by a Turkish company.
As part of NATO’s force modernisation process, Steadfast Dart 2026 successfully tested the integration of traditional combat units with emerging technological innovations, particularly in the unmanned domain, including ISR drones, one-way attack drones, robotic platforms and multi-role logistics systems.
In addition, to showcase rapidly fielded technologies deployed by participating Nations during the Mission Rehearsal in the heart of Germany, NRDC-ITA organised a static display of key combat systems grouped by capability areas: Command and Control, Intelligence, Fires and Combat Service Support.
During his visit, the COVI Commander engaged with ARF personnel, interacting with units involved in the exercise and with attending Allied authorities. He also expressed appreciation to Germany, the Host Nation, for the support provided to Allied forces throughout all phases of the activity.
Steadfast Dart 2026 confirms the ARF as a strategic force under SACEUR’s authority and a cornerstone of NATO’s deterrence posture. It also highlights Italy’s ability to lead and integrate multinational forces in complex, multi-domain environments.