Technology, interoperability and readiness at the core of the NATO exercise strengthening deterrence: “together we are stronger”.
From 5th to 13th May 2026, the Mission Rehearsal Exercise Steadfast Deterrence 2026 (STDC26) was conducted, a major computer-assisted command post exercise of NATO, confirming the Alliance’s central role in ensuring collective security across the Euro-Atlantic area. The exercise saw the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Italy acting as the Allied Reaction Force (ARF) Headquarters within the NATO Force Model, simulating a rapid deployment to the Northern European Baltic area in support of deterrence and defence.
The activity involved personnel distributed across multiple NATO commands, including SHAPE (strategic level) and JFC Norfolk (operational level), as well as the Joint Warfare Centre in Stavanger, Joint Force Command Naples and Joint Force Command Brunssum, operating within a fully interconnected and multi-domain environment. This distributed framework enabled the testing of advanced Command and Control (C2) capabilities, ensuring operational continuity, rapid decision-making and effective coordination among forces.
During the exercise, the ARF operated as a direct deterrence instrument under SHAPE and JFC - NF, orchestrating key multinational components: the French 3rd Division as Land Component Command, the UK Strike Force as Maritime Component Command, the UK Special Operations Component Command, the French Joint Force Air Component Command and the French Joint Logistic Support Group. This integration demonstrated a high level of interoperability, essential for addressing complex and evolving operational scenarios.
STDC26 placed particular emphasis on technological innovation and the evolution of operational capabilities, in response to emerging challenges such as hybrid warfare, cyber threats, CBRN risks and the increasing use of drones (Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System/ Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). The employment of advanced C2 systems and battlefield digitalization highlighted how technological superiority is a decisive factor in ensuring operational effectiveness and decision advantage.
The exercise also reaffirmed the core principles of the Alliance: cohesion and collective defence. Continuous joint training enables NATO forces to maintain high readiness levels and adapt rapidly to an increasingly complex and multi-dimensional security environment, where every nation’s contribution is essential.
In this context, the ARF continues to serve also in 2026, as in 2025 as a platform for innovation for NATO and participating Nations, supporting the adoption of advanced systems and reinforcing a path of transformation, technological advancement, interconnection and digitalisation.
A key feature was the implementation of a distributed command structure as an interconnected and resilient model ensured continuous C2 capability, enabling rapid decision-making, operational continuity, maximum responsiveness and the ability to plan for potential contingencies in other crisis areas.
These activities were supported by the integrated use of modern C2 platforms and advanced NATO communication systems, including SitaWare, TOPFAS, LOGFAS and other NATO Functional Area Services (FAS), enabling effective synchronisation across domains and maintaining an accurate and shared operational picture.
Steadfast Deterrence 2026 once again proved to be a key milestone for NATO, strengthening the readiness and capability of the ARF to operate as a fully interoperable joint force, ready to deploy at very short notice across the full spectrum of modern crises—confirming once again that together we are stronger.