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This is a military mission report (MISREP) documenting a U.S. Air Force intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) flight over Syria on November 9, 2023. During the mission, which involved target development and surveillance activities, the aircraft observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) while returning to base. The report records the observation details, aircraft data, and assessment of the incident.
What was the mission?
The aircraft conducted an ISR mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, a U.S. military campaign against violent extremist groups. The flight involved multiple on-station periods where the aircraft performed full motion video (FMV) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection at different locations in Syria. The mission lasted over 11 hours, with the aircraft taking off on November 9 at 0217Z and returning to base at 1933Z.
What did the aircraft observe?
While returning to base at 2153Z on November 9, the aircraft observed what the crew assessed as a probable helicopter-shaped UAP described as a bouncy ball. The object came from the south at approximately the same altitude as the aircraft, then dropped altitude and passed safely below the aircraft while maintaining a consistent speed of approximately 424 knots for at least 7 minutes before going out of range.
How did the crew assess the UAP?
The crew determined the UAP was not a threat to the aircraft or public safety. The object produced no emissions, showed no signs of intelligent control, and had no effects on the aircrew or aircraft systems. The observer assessment classified the UAP as benign. The crew did not interrogate or engage with the object and did not observe any anomalous maneuvers or responses to their presence.
What was the overall mission effectiveness?
The ISR mission was assessed as satisfactory in filling intelligence gaps. The aircraft successfully conducted target development activities, observing vehicles and individuals of interest at multiple locations. The weather was clear throughout the mission, and precoordination effectiveness was rated satisfactory.
Full Document Text
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--- PAGE 1 ---
Recommendation by MG Brandon R. Tegtmeier
SECRET//NOFORN USCENTCOM Chief of Staff
Recommended on: 2 June 2025
FOUO / Privacy Act applies
Misrep 9381202
Narrative
(SECRET//NOFORN)
AT 0217Z, 1.4a TOOK OFF FROM 1.4a AT 0229Z, 1.4a HANDED OVER
FROM THE 1.4a PROCEEDED TO FRAGGED TASKING TO SUPPORT DATA MASKED.
AT 0217Z, 1.4a WAS 7-LINED TO SUPPORT DATA MASKED. 1.4a DID NOT ARRIVE
ONSTATION AT 38S MB 48 1.4a 86 1.4a (SEE ON/OFF-STATION 1).
AT 0355Z, 1.4a WAS 7-LINED TO SUPPORT DATA MASKED. 1.4a ARRIVED ON-STATION AT
0431Z, CHECKED IN WITH DATA MASKED, AND PERFORMED FMV/SIGINT COLLECTION AT
37S FU 81 1.4a 06 1.4a (SEE ISR 2).
AT 0539Z, 1.4a WAS 7-LINED TO SUPPORT DATA MASKED. 1.4a ARRIVED ON-STATION AT
0805Z, CHECKED IN WITH DATA MASKED, AND PERFORMED FMV/SIGINT COLLECTION AT
38S MB 48 1.4a 86 1.4a (SEE ISR 3).
AT 2153Z, 1.4a OBSERVED AN UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL PHENOMENON AT 37D ST 69 1.4a
07 1.4a (SEE UAP 1).
AT 1933Z, 1.4a RETURNED TO BASE. AT 2254Z, 1.4a HANDED BACK TO THE 1.4a AT 2319Z,
1.4a LANDED AT 1.4a FULL MOTION VIDEO WAS EXPLOITED BY 1.4a
1.4a
(SECRET//NOFORN)
(S/RELIDO) Mission Narrative
(SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY)
AT 0217Z, 1.4a TOOK OFF FROM 1.4a AT 0229Z, 1.4a HANDED OVER
FROM THE 1.4a PROCEEDED TO FRAGGED TASKING TO SUPPORT DATA MASKED.
AT 0217Z, 1.4a WAS 7-LINED TO SUPPORT DATA MASKED. 1.4a DID NOT ARRIVE
ONSTATION AT 38S MB 48 1.4a 86 1.4a (SEE ON/OFF-STATION 1).
AT 0355Z, 1.4a WAS 7-LINED TO SUPPORT DATA MASKED. 1.4a ARRIVED ON-STATION AT
0431Z, CHECKED IN WITH DATA MASKED, AND PERFORMED FMV/SIGINT COLLECTION AT
37S FU 81 1.4a 06 1.4a (SEE ISR 2).
AT 0539Z, 1.4a WAS 7-LINED TO SUPPORT DATA MASKED. 1.4a ARRIVED ON-STATION AT
3.5c, (b)(6)
USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072 SECRET//NOFORN 06/02/2025 000001
Approved for Release to AARO - FOUO/PA
--- PAGE 2 ---
Recommendation by MG Brandon R. Tegtmeier
SECRET//NOFORN USCENTCOM Chief of Staff
Recommended on: 2 June 2025
FOUO / Privacy Act applies
0805Z, CHECKED IN WITH DATA MASKED, AND PERFORMED FMV/SIGINT COLLECTION AT
38S MB 48 1.4a 86 1.4a (SEE ISR 3).
AT 1933Z, 1.4a RETURNED TO BASE. AT 2254Z, 1.4a HANDED BACK TO THE 1.4a AT 2319Z,
1.4a LANDED AT 1.4a FULL MOTION VIDEO WAS EXPLOITED BY 1.4a
1.4a
(SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY)
Admin
CLASSIFICATION
• Classification: SECRET
• Associated Caveats: NOFORN
• Classification Source (MS or Classification Guide ID): MS
• Declassification Date (YYYYMMDD): 20481109
OPERATION
• Operation: INHERENT RESOLVE
• Domain: AIR
• Operations Center: 609th
• Major Command (MAJCOM): 1.4a
• Combatant Command (COCOM): USCENTCOM
MSGID
• Report Type: MISREP
• Originator (Unit or Squadron): 1.4a
• Submit Date:
MSNID
• Tasking Order (ATO): 1.4a
• Mission Type: ISR
• ATO Mission Number: 1.4a
• Country Tasked: US - UNITED STATES
• Service Tasked: A - AIR FORCE
Poc
3.5c, (b)(6)
USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072 SECRET//NOFORN 06/02/2025 000002
Approved for Release to AARO - FOUO/PA
--- PAGE 3 ---
Recommendation by MG Brandon R. Tegtmeier
SECRET//NOFORN USCENTCOM Chief of Staff
Recommended on: 2 June 2025
FOUO / Privacy Act applies
POC
• Rank:3.5c,(b)(6)
• Full Name:3.5c, (b)(3)130b, (b)(6)
• Unit: Unavailable
• Wing: 3.5c, (b)(6)
• Phone Number: 3.5c, (b)(6)
• Email: 3.5c, (b)(6)
• Service: Air Force
• Operations Center: 609 CAOC
QC
• Rank:3.5c,(b)(6)
• Full Name: 3.5c, (b)(3)130b, (b)(6)
• Unit: 3.5c, (b)(6)
• Wing: 3.5c, (b)(6)
• Phone Number: 3.5c, (b)(6)
• Email: 3.5c,(b)(6)
• Service: Air Force
• Operations Center: Other
APPROVER
• Rank:3.5c, (b)(6)
• Full Name:3.5c, (b)(3)130b, (b)(6)
• Unit: Unavailable
• Wing: 3.5c,(b)(6)
• Phone Number: 3.5c,(b)(6)
• Email: 3.5c, (b)(6)
• Service: Air Force
• Operations Center: 609 CAOC
INGEST
• Rank:
• Full Name:
• Unit:
• Wing:
• Phone Number:
• Email:
• Service:
• Operations Center:
3.5c,(b)(6)
USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072 SECRET//NOFORN 06/02/2025 000003
Approved for Release to AARO - FOUO/PA
--- PAGE 4 ---
Recommendation by MG Brandon R. Tegtmeier
SECRET//NOFORN USCENTCOM Chief of Staff
Recommended on: 2 June 2025
FOUO / Privacy Act applies
ACEQUIP
ACEQUIP
• Aircraft Callsign: 1.4a
1.4g
• Gentext:
Timeline
Takeoff
• Callsign: 1.4a
• Number of Aircraft: 1
• Asset Type (Aircraft): 1.4a, 1.4g
3.5c, (b)(6)
USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072 SECRET//NOFORN 06/02/2025 000004
Approved for Release to AARO - FOUO/PA
--- PAGE 5 ---
Recommendation by MG Brandon R. Tegtmeier
SECRET//NOFORN USCENTCOM Chief of Staff
Recommended on: 2 June 2025
FOUO / Privacy Act applies
• Aircraft Tail Number(s): 1.4a
• Takeoff Location (ICAO Code): 1.4a
• Takeoff Time DTG: 090217:00ZNOV23
• Mode 3 (IFF Codes): 1.4a
• Gentext/Additional Details:
• Mission Canceled:
Landing
• Last Land Location (ICAO Code): 1.4a
• Last Land Time: 1.4a
• Last Engine Shutdown Time: 1.4a
• Total Mission Time: 1.4a
• Gentext/Additional Details:
On Station
• Time On Station DTG:
• Callsign: 1.4a
• JTAR Number: -
• Killbox (Location): -
• Mission Type: ISR
• JTAC Callsign: 1.4a
• Gentext/Additional Details:
• Did not Arrive On Station: On
Off Station
• Time Off Station DTG:
• Total Time On Station:
• Gentext/Additional Details:
On Station
• Time On Station DTG: 090431:00ZNOV23
• Callsign: 1.4a
• JTAR Number: -
• Killbox (Location): -
• Mission Type: ISR
• JTAC Callsign: 1.4a
• Gentext/Additional Details:
• Did not Arrive On Station:
3.5c, (b)(6)
USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072 SECRET//NOFORN 06/02/2025 000005
Approved for Release to AARO - FOUO/PA
--- PAGE 6 ---
Recommendation by MG Brandon R. Tegtmeier
SECRET//NOFORN USCENTCOM Chief of Staff
Recommended on: 2 June 2025
FOUO / Privacy Act applies
Off Station
• Time Off Station DTG: 090554:00ZNOV23
• Total Time On Station: 1 hour 23 minutes
• Gentext/Additional Details:
ISR
• Time-on Station DTG: 090431:00ZNOV23
• Time-off Station DTG: 090554:00ZNOV23
• Aircraft Callsign: 1.4a
• Msn Type: 1.4a
• Primary Sensor: FMV
• Sensors Available: 1.4g
• Tasking Type: Dynamic
• Tasking or Request Number (JTAR#, AEM#, PRI#, or TIC#): DATA MASKED
• BE Number (if NTISR): -
• Tasked Start Point: 37S FU 81 1.4a 06 1.4a
• Activity Description: TARGET DEVELOPMENT
• FMV or Image File Name (if NTISR): -
• EEIs Observed: Yes
• Number of EEIs: 1
• Global Campaign Plan: GCP - VEO (violent extremist group)
GENTEXT/ISR
• Gentext: (SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY)
UPON ARRIVAL TO THE SP AT 0431Z, 1.4a OBSERVED NO EEI RELATED ACTIVITY. AT
0528Z, IT WAS 1X VEHICLE PARKED E OF COI WAS ASSESSED AS A PROB IMINT MATCH TO
VOI. AT 0539Z, 1.4a RECEIVED A NEW TASKING. 1.4a REMAINED ONTGT UNTIL PUSHING
TO NEW COORDS AT 0554Z.
(SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY)
ISR ASSET UTILIZATION
• Supported Unit: 1.4g
• Supported Operation: INHERENT RESOLVE
• Precoord Time: -
• Precoord Effectiveness: SATISFACTORY
WEATHER
• Weather: (UNCLASSIFIED)
3.5c, (b)(6)
USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072 SECRET//NOFORN 06/02/2025 000006
Approved for Release to AARO - FOUO/PA
--- PAGE 7 ---
Recommendation by MG Brandon R. Tegtmeier
SECRET//NOFORN USCENTCOM Chief of Staff
Recommended on: 2 June 2025
FOUO / Privacy Act applies
CLEAR WX
(UNCLASSIFIED)
EFFECTIVENESS
• Tasker:
• Intel Gap Filled?: Yes
• Gentext: (UNCLASSIFIED)
SATISFACTORY
(UNCLASSIFIED)
On Station
• Time On Station DTG: 090805:00ZNOV23
• Callsign: 1.4a
• JTAR Number: -
• Killbox (Location): -
• Mission Type: ISR
• JTAC Callsign: 1.4a
• Gentext/Additional Details:
• Did not Arrive On Station:
Off Station
• Time Off Station DTG: 091933:00ZNOV23
• Total Time On Station: 11 hours 28 minutes
• Gentext/Additional Details:
ISR
• Time-on Station DTG: 090805:00ZNOV23
• Time-off Station DTG: 091933:00ZNOV23
• Aircraft Callsign: 1.4a
• Msn Type: 1.4a
• Primary Sensor: FMV
• Sensors Available: 1.4g
• Tasking Type: Dynamic
• Tasking or Request Number (JTAR#, AEM#, PRI#, or TIC#): DATA MASKED
• BE Number (if NTISR): -
• Tasked Start Point: 38S MB 48 1.4a 86 1.4a
• Activity Description: TARGET DEVELOPMENT
• FMV or Image File Name (if NTISR): -
• EEIs Observed: Yes
3.5c, (b)(6)
USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072 SECRET//NOFORN 06/02/2025 000007
Approved for Release to AARO - FOUO/PA
--- PAGE 8 ---
Recommendation by MG Brandon R. Tegtmeier
SECRET//NOFORN USCENTCOM Chief of Staff
Recommended on: 2 June 2025
FOUO / Privacy Act applies
• Number of EEIs: 2
• Global Campaign Plan: GCP - VEO (violent extremist group)
GENTEXT/ISR
• Gentext: (SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY)
UPON ARRIVAL TO THE BUILDING AT 0805Z, 1.4a OBSERVED 1X WHITE SUV WITH A
REAR MOUNTED TIRE, ASSESSED TO BE PROB VOI WAS PARK ON THE N SIDE. 1X ADM
ASSESSED TO BE PROB POI WAS INTERNAL TO THE BUILDING. ASSESSMENT, SLANT AND
DISPOSITION DERIVED FROM 1.4a S2. FROM 0805Z - 1552Z, 1.4a CONDUCTED A 6X STOP
FOLLOW ON PROB VOI AND POI REULTING IN EEI RELATED ACTIVITY. DURING STOP 2, AT
0926Z, PROB POI AND 1X ADM EXITED THE S SIDE OF RESIDENCE AND ENTERED THE
FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT OF THE PROB VOI. AT 0939Z, 1.4a RECIVIED A PROB MATCH TO
THE 1X ADM WHO EXITED THE S SIDE OF THE RESIDENCE AND ENTERED THE FRONT
RIGHT OF THE PROB VOI. UPON LOST OF PID, 1.4a RESET BACK TO 1.4aAT 1632Z AND
OBSERVED NO EEI RELATED ACTIVITY. AT 1719Z, 2X PREV OBSERVED ADMS WAS
ASSESSED TO BE POSS IMINT MATCH TO POI AND PROB TO POI. AT 1933Z, 1.4a RTB
WITHOUT ADDITIONAL EEI TO REPORT.
(SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY)
ISR ASSET UTILIZATION
• Supported Unit: 1.4g
• Supported Operation: INHERENT RESOLVE
• Precoord Time: -
• Precoord Effectiveness: SATISFACTORY
WEATHER
• Weather: (UNCLASSIFIED)
CLEAR WX
(UNCLASSIFIED)
EFFECTIVENESS
• Tasker:
• Intel Gap Filled?: Yes
• Gentext: (UNCLASSIFIED)
SATISFACTORY
(UNCLASSIFIED)
UAP
3.5c, (b)(6)
USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072 SECRET//NOFORN 06/02/2025 000008
Approved for Release to AARO - FOUO/PA
--- PAGE 9 ---
Recommendation by MG Brandon R. Tegtmeier
SECRET//NOFORN USCENTCOM Chief of Staff
Recommended on: 2 June 2025
FOUO / Privacy Act applies
• Initial Contact DTG: 092153:00ZNOV23
• UAP Event Type: UAP Incident
• UAP Maneuverability Observations: NONE
• UAP Response to Observer Actions: NO
• MDS Type / Asset Type: 1.4a, 1.4g
• Tail Number: 1.4a
• Friendly Aircraft Location: 37S ET 34 1.4a 09 1.4a
• Friendly Aircraft Altitude/Depth: 1.4g
• Friendly Aircraft Trajectory: SOUTHEAST
• Observer Assessment of UAP: Benign
• Friendly Aircraft Speed:
• Observation Interrogation of UAP (yes/no; if yes list sensor(s) and returns):: NO
• Third-party Observers and/or Reporters: NONE
• Friendly Aircraft State:
• Training Range (If applicable):
• Operational Range:
• UAP Physical State: Solid
• Number of UAP Sighted:
• UAP Propulsion Means: UNK
• UAP Payload:
• UAP Under Intelligent Control (yes/no; if yes, describe): NO
• UAP Signatures: 1.4g
• UAP Advanced Capabilities And/Or Materials (yes/no; if yes, describe): YES, TRAVELED
~424KN CONSISTANTLY FOR AT LEAST 7MINS IN THE SHAPE OF A BOUNCY BALL.
• UAP RF Frequency: NONE
• UAP RF Duration: N/A
• UAP Event Serial Number: 092153ZNOV2023-CENTCOM
• UAP Effects on Persons: NO
• UAP Objects/Material Recovered (yes/no; if yes, describe): NO
• UAP Effects on Equipment: NONE
• Full Name: 3.5c,(b)(3)130b, (b)(6)
• Rank/Grade: 3.5c,(b)(6)
• Email: 3.5c,(b)(6)
• Phone Number (VOSIP/STE): 3.5c,(b)(6)
• Observer Engagement of UAP (yes/no; if yes, describe): NO
• First Coordinate: 37DST69 1.4a 7 1.4a
• First Seen Radius: 5
• Last Accuracy: Estimated
• Last Coordinate: 37SFT28 1.4a 3 1.4a
• Last Seen Radius: 10
• Kinetic Altitude Accuracy: Estimated
• Kinetic Altitude: 170
• Kinetic Depth Accuracy: Estimated
3.5c, (b)(6)
USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072 SECRET//NOFORN 06/02/2025 000009
Approved for Release to AARO - FOUO/PA
--- PAGE 10 ---
Recommendation by MG Brandon R. Tegtmeier
SECRET//NOFORN USCENTCOM Chief of Staff
Recommended on: 2 June 2025
FOUO / Privacy Act applies
• Kinetic Depth:
• Kinetic Velocity Accuracy: Estimated
• Kinetic Velocity: 424KN
• Kinetic Trajectory Accuracy: Estimated
• Kinetic Trajectory:
• UAP Date of DoD Acquisition: 092153:00ZNOV23
• UAP Reaction to Observation, Interrogation, Engagement (yes/no; if yes, describe): NO
• UAP Anomalous Characteristics/ Behaviors: N/A
• First Accuracy: Estimated
• Call Sign: 1.4a
• UAP First Seen Location:
• UAP Last Seen Location:
• UAP Altitude, Depth, Velocity, and Trajectory (indicate estimated or measured):
GENTEXT/UAP
• UAP Description (e.g., size, shape, color, markings, recognizable features): SHOWED AS 1.4g
1.4g
• Gentext (UAP Event Description): (SECRET//NOFORN)
WHILE RTB AT 2153Z, 1.4a OBSERVED 1X PROB HC UAP SHAPED AS A BOUNCY BALL
COME FROM THE SOUTH AT NEAR CO-ALT. 1.4a OBSERVED THE PROB UAP DROP
ALTITUDE AND SAFELY PASS THEIR AIRCRAFT WHILE CONSISTANTLY MAINTAINING
~424KN. AFTER 7MIN OF WATCHING, THE PROB UAP BECAME OUT OF RANGE AND 1.4a
CARRIED ON THEIR RTB. NO EMISSIONS CAME FROM THE PROB UAP, UAP WAS NOT
CONSIDERED A THREAT TO THE AIRCRAFT OR PUBLIC SAFETY, AND THE UAP HAD NO
EFFECTS ON THE AIRCREW.
(SECRET//NOFORN)
3.5c, (b)(6)
USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072 SECRET//NOFORN 06/02/2025 000010
Approved for Release to AARO - FOUO/PA View the official fileFrequently Asked Questions
What type of aircraft was involved in this mission?
The document does not provide the specific aircraft type in unredacted form. The aircraft designation and tail number are classified and redacted in the released version of the report.
What was the UAP's speed and how long was it observed?
The UAP traveled at approximately 424 knots consistently for at least 7 minutes. The crew observed it come from the south at near the same altitude as the aircraft, then drop altitude and pass safely below the aircraft before going out of range.
TRAVELED ~424KN CONSISTANTLY FOR AT LEAST 7MINS IN THE SHAPE OF A BOUNCY BALL
Did the crew attempt to interrogate or engage with the UAP?
No. The report explicitly states that the crew did not interrogate the UAP and did not engage with it. The UAP showed no response to observer actions.
Observation Interrogation of UAP (yes/no; if yes list sensor(s) and returns):: NO
What was the observer's assessment of the UAP?
The observer assessed the UAP as benign. The crew determined it was not a threat to the aircraft or public safety, produced no emissions, and had no effects on the aircrew or aircraft systems.
Observer Assessment of UAP: Benign
Congressional Context
Where this record connects to the congressional record and the people in it.
- Involves OrganizationAARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)
- Referenced in LegislationNational Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024Connected through AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)
- Referenced in LegislationJames M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023Connected through AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)
- Referenced in LegislationServicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025Connected through AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)
- Referenced in LegislationTo terminate the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.Connected through AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)
- Discussed in HearingSenate Armed Services Subcommittee UAP HearingConnected through AARO (All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office)