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DOD (USAF/AFCENT/USCENTCOM) SECRET

Misrep undefined-8584059

Date 31 March 2023
Location Iraq/Syria (Prince Sultan AB, ESSA airspace)
Type mission report (MISREP)
Pages 9

DCA mission by F-16CM 2-ship from 77 EFS/378 AEW. Observed multiple possible UAPs at 2302Z.

UAPIraqSyriaDCAF-16CM

One small object flew north-to-northeast at 0117Z on May 30, 2022, while the aircraft cruised at 24,000 feet and 142 knots. The screener couldn't identify it despite continuous tracking. Hours earlier, a pair of Russian SU-30s had intercepted the ISR platform, flying roughly 5 NM beneath it. The 20-hour mission out of Sigonella collected extensively on Syrian and Russian naval assets in the Eastern Mediterranean.

  • One possible small UAP observed at 0117Z on 30 May 2022 flying north to northeast
  • Screener unable to identify the UAP despite continuous observation and tracking
  • Friendly aircraft at FL240 (24,000 feet), speed 142 KIAS during UAP observation
  • Russian SU-30 fighters intercepted the ISR aircraft at 2147Z (flew ~5 NM under friendly aircraft orbit)
  • Extensive intelligence collected on Syrian/Russian naval and air assets including Slava-class cruisers, Gorshkov-class frigates, Udaloy-class destroyers, SU-27/35 fighters, A-50U Mainstay, and IL-38 aircraft
  • Total mission time: approximately 20 hours 30 minutes from Sigonella
9 pages
statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY
page_descriptionMilitary mission report (Misrep undefined-7561279) documenting an aircraft mission with UAP observation, including timeline of events, sensor operations, and air contacts.
dates
  • 2022-05 | mission date (inferred from document title, specific date redacted via 1.4a)
  • 1355Z | aircraft takeoff time
  • 1424Z | handover from LRE
  • 1507Z to 0906Z | SIGINT collection period
  • 1551Z | on station in SRO track
  • 1938Z to 0230Z | IMINT collection period
  • 2147Z | reaction by 1-3 aircraft
  • 0117Z | one possible small UAP observed
  • 0011Z | observed probable SU-27/35 landing
  • 0230Z | cleared to RTB
  • 0616Z | off station
  • 0934Z | handed back to LRE
  • 1025Z | landed at LRCT
  • 2025-10-08 | declassification date
organizations
  • USCENTCOM | military command
  • AARO | agency approving release
  • DGS-IN | Defense General Staff - Intelligence
  • DGS4 | Defense General Staff 4
  • RFAF | Royal Fusiliers Air Force (possibly)
locations
  • Sigonella Airbase (LICZ) | takeoff location
  • SRO Track (41EMD) | operating area
  • Eastern Mediterranean | operational area
  • Al Assad Airfield (AL ASSAD AFLD) | location of observed aircraft landing
  • LRCT | landing location
observations
  • At 0117Z: One possible small UAP was observed; size described as small; complete details referenced in UAP LINE 1
  • At 0011Z: Observed one probable SU-27/35 landing at Al Assad Airfield
assessmentsOne possible small UAP classified as probable contact requiring investigation
references
  • ISR LINE 1 | intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance details
  • REACTION LINE 1 | air reaction details
  • UAP LINE 1 | detailed UAP observation data
  • OBS LINE 1 | observation details for SU-27/35
  • Misrep undefined-7561279 | mission report identifier
  • MDR 25-0094 thru MDR 25-0099 | document control numbers
  • JS-250710-TM8S | additional control marking
redactions
  • Multiple instances of 1.4a redactions throughout timeline
  • Classification authority and specific personnel names redacted
  • Some tactical details redacted with 3.5c FOIA exemption applied
notes
  • Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison, USCENTCOM Chief of Staff on 8 October 2025
  • Approved for Release to AARO
  • Aircraft conducted SIGINT and IMINT collection missions
  • Mission involved monitoring operations over Iraq and Eastern Mediterranean
statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY
page_descriptionAdministrative and metadata page for mission report Misrep undefined-7561279, containing classification markings, operational details, and point of contact information.
organizations
  • 50 ATKS (50th Air Test Squadron) | originating unit
  • 432 AEW | wing assignment
  • 603rd Operations Center | operations center
  • 609 CAOC (Combined Air Operations Center) | operations center
  • ACC (Air Combat Command) | Major Command
  • USEUCOM (US European Command) | Combatant Command
  • Air Force | service branch
dates
  • 2047-05-29 | declassification date (future date indicating long-term classification hold)
  • 2025-10-08 | actual declassification date
peopleAlC (Airman First Class) [name redacted] | POC, 50 ATKS, 432 AEW wing
references
  • Tasking Order (ATO): E149 | mission tasking
  • ATO Mission Number | redacted via 1.4a
  • Country Tasked: US - UNITED STATES
  • Service Tasked: A - AIR FORCE
redactions
  • Operation name | 1.4a redaction
  • Full name of POC | exemptions (b)(3), 130b, (b)(6)
  • Phone number | FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
  • Email | 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
  • QC section | 3.5c FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
  • ATO Mission Number | 1.4a redaction
  • Classification markings struck through with "SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY" shown as original classification
notes
  • Classification Source: MULTIPLE SOURCES
  • Report Type: MISREP (Mission Report)
  • Mission Type: ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance)
  • Domain: AIR
  • Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison, USCENTCOM Chief of Staff on 8 October 2025
  • Approved for Release to AARO
statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY
page_descriptionAdministrative page detailing QC personnel, approver information, ingest details, and aircraft equipment specifications.
people
  • Ctr (Controller) [name redacted] | QC role, 12 AF PAROC, Air Force
  • SSgt (Staff Sergeant) [name redacted] | Approver, 603 AOC, Air Force
organizations
  • 12 AF PAROC (Twelfth Air Force Precision Air Operations Control) | unit
  • 603 AOC (Air Operations Center) | approver's operations center
  • Air Force | service branch
redactions
  • QC full name | 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
  • QC phone number | FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
  • QC email | 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
  • Approver full name | FOIA Exemptions (b)(3), 13b, (b)(6)
  • Approver phone number | FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
  • Approver email | 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
  • Aircraft Callsign | 1.4a redaction
  • Additional equipment details | 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
equipment
  • Radar Name or Destination | not applicable
  • Radar Software Load or Mission Data | not applicable
  • Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) Name or Designator | not applicable
  • RWR Software Load or Mission Data | not applicable
  • MWS (Missile Warning System) Name or Designator | not applicable
  • MWS Software Load or Mission Data | not applicable
notes
  • INGEST section appears to be incomplete with all fields empty
  • Aircraft equipment specification (ACEQUIP) section mostly incomplete
  • Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison, USCENTCOM Chief of Staff on 8 October 2025
statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY
page_descriptionAircraft systems specifications and mission timeline including takeoff and landing details.
equipment
  • TGT Pod Name or Designator: ANDAS4 (targeting pod)
  • Additional Avionics: AH\SAR (likely AH (air-to-air radar) and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar))
  • IRCM (Infrared Countermeasures) | not equipped
  • ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) | not equipped
  • Chaff/Flare systems | not equipped
  • Towed Decoys | not equipped
  • Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM) | not equipped
  • Gun armament | not equipped
  • Air-to-Ground Weapons | not equipped
  • Data Link | not applicable
dates
  • 2022-05-29 | takeoff date and time (291355:00Z MAY22 = 29 May 2022, 1355 UTC)
  • 2022-05-30 | landing date and time (301025:00Z MAY22 = 30 May 2022, 1025 UTC)
locationsLICZ (Sigonella Airbase) | takeoff location and landing location
observations
  • Number of Aircraft: 1 (single aircraft mission)
  • Callsign | redacted via 1.4a
  • Asset Type (Aircraft) | redacted via 1.4a, 1.4g
  • Aircraft Tail Number(s) | redacted via 1.4a
  • Mode 3 (IFF Codes) | not provided
  • Mission Canceled: No
redactions
  • Callsign | 1.4a redaction
  • Asset Type (Aircraft) | 1.4a, 1.4g redactions
  • Aircraft Tail Number | 1.4a redaction
notes
  • Mission duration: approximately 18 hours 30 minutes (from 1355 UTC to 1025 UTC next day)
  • ISR/reconnaissance mission with targeting pod and radar systems
  • Aircraft equipped with surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities
  • No weapons systems configured for this mission
statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY
page_descriptionDetailed mission timeline including on-station operations, ISR collection activities, and target development operations.
dates
  • 2022-05-29 15:51Z | arrived on station/entered SRO track into operational area 41EMD
  • 2022-05-29 19:38Z to 2022-05-30 02:30Z | ISR collection period for target development
  • 2022-05-30 06:16Z | off station
  • 2022-05-30 10:35Z | last engine shutdown time
observations
  • EEIs (Essential Elements of Information) Observed: Yes
  • Number of EEIs: 10
  • 39 targets collected during ISR operations
  • Syrian Navy operations observed
locations
  • OP Area 41EMD | operational area
  • SRO Track (41EMD) | surveillance and reconnaissance operation area
  • Eastern Mediterranean | general operational region
  • Tasked Start Point: 36SXD7 [coordinates partially redacted via 1.4a]
mission_details
  • On Station Time: 14 hours 25 minutes (from 1551Z 29 May to 0616Z 30 May)
  • Total Mission Time: 20 hours 30 minutes
  • Mission Type (XREC section): XREC (Extended Reconnaissance)
  • Mission Type (ISR section): TARGET DEV (Target Development)
  • Activity Description: ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance)
  • Tasking Type: PLANNED
  • JTAR Number: not applicable
  • Killbox: not applicable
  • JTAC Callsign: not applicable
redactions
  • Callsign (On Station section) | 1.4a redaction
  • Aircraft Callsign (ISR section) | 1.4a redaction
  • Operational target designation | 1.4a redaction
  • Tasked Start Point coordinates | 1.4a redaction
  • General redaction block | 1.4c
  • Gentext operations detail | 1.4a redactions
quotes"AT 1551Z, [CALLSIGN] ENTERED THEIR SRO TRACK INTO OP AREA 41EMD. AT 1551Z, [CALLSIGN] CONDUCTED TARGET DEVELOPMENT ON OP [REDACTED] ISO 603 AOC IVO 41EMD. FROM 1938Z TO 0230Z, [CALLSIGN] COLLECTED ON 39X TGTS: SYRIAN NAVY OPS" | mission narrative
notes
  • Aircraft collected intelligence on 39 distinct targets
  • Focus on Syrian Navy operations
  • Extensive target development conducted
  • 10 essential elements of information collected
statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY
page_descriptionDetailed intelligence collection narrative documenting observation of Syrian naval vessels, military facilities, and airfield activity during ISR mission.
dates
  • 1745Z | Slava-class cruiser observed
  • 1808Z | Probable Gorshkov-class frigate observed
  • 2104Z | Generator or radar dish observed
  • 2120Z | A-50U Mainstay aircraft and IL-38 aircraft parked observations
  • 0006Z | Probable IL-76 transport observed active
  • 0011Z | Probable SU-27/35 fighter observed landing
  • 0029Z | Probable SU-27/35 observed taking off to south
  • 0344Z | Probable Gorshkov FFG (Hull 461) headed east
  • 0405Z | Probable Udaloy I DD (Hull 626) headed east
  • 0411Z | Probable Slava CG (Hull 055) headed east
  • 0530Z | Probable Udaloy I DD (Hull 564) headed west
  • 0230Z | Cleared off tasking and returned to base
locations
  • Syrian Navy Operations Areas (multiple grid references throughout)
  • Israel-Lebanon-Syria Region DSA 2 E4YY
  • Latakia Naval Monitoring DSA
  • Bassel Al Assad International Airfield
  • Tartus Naval Base
  • Beirut Army Barracks Fakridine
  • Juniyah Army Barracks Sarba
  • Rumyah Prison
  • Beirut Military Facility Karantina
  • Bamlkah SIGINT Facility
  • Beirut Possible Terrorist CNO Facility
  • Ibn Hani Coastal Defense Site
  • Batrah Coastal Defense Site
  • Tartus Naval Missile Support Facility
  • Al Ladhiqiyah Army Barracks SE Stamo
  • Ayn Ash Shariqiyah CD Brigade Headquarters
  • Adimah Coastal Defense Site Southwest
  • Ar Rawdah Coastal Observation Post
  • Ash Shamiyah Coastal Defense Site
  • Abu Afsah Coastal Defense Site
  • Al Ladhiqiyah Syrian Naval Headquarters
  • Tall Sukas Coastal Defense Site
  • Latakia School 81
  • Jablah Naval Academy
observations
  • 1 Slava-class cruiser (guided missile cruiser) heading east transiting to start point
  • 1 Probable Gorshkov-class frigate (FFG) heading east while transiting to start point
  • Generator or possible radar dish observed
  • 1 A-50U Mainstay (airborne early warning and control aircraft) parked
  • 2x IL-38 (maritime patrol/antisubmarine aircraft) parked
  • 1 Probable IL-76 (transport aircraft) observed active
  • 1 Probable SU-27/35 (fighter aircraft) observed landing
  • 1 Probable SU-27/35 observed taking off to south
  • 1 Probable Gorshkov FFG (Hull 461) headed east
  • 1 Probable Udaloy I Destroyer (Hull 626) headed east
  • 1 Probable Slava CG (Hull 055) headed east
  • 1 Probable Udaloy I DD (Hull 564) headed west
  • Multiple coastal defense sites, naval facilities, military barracks, and airfield infrastructure documented
assessments
  • Extensive Syrian naval and military activity documented
  • Focus on surface vessel movements, subsurface routes, munition handling, and personnel movement
  • Multiple military assets observed including fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, and naval vessels
organizations
  • 603 AOC (Air Operations Center) | supported unit
  • Syrian Navy | observed entity
  • Syrian Military | observed entity
redactions
  • Supported Operation | 1.4a redaction
  • Multiple grid coordinates and tactical details | 1.4a redactions
  • General section redaction | 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
notes
  • Detailed surveillance of Syrian military positions and operations
  • Documentation of Russian-supplied military equipment (Slava-class, Gorshkov-class, Udaloy-class, IL-76, IL-38, A-50U, SU-27/35)
  • ISR mission collected extensive intelligence on naval and coastal operations
statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY
page_descriptionOperational reaction report documenting intercept of Russian fighter aircraft by friendly aircraft during ISR mission.
dates2022-05-29 21:47Z | initial contact with enemy aircraft
weatherWeather conditions: Was not a factor for operations
locations
  • Friendly Aircraft Location: 37S BV 3 [coordinates partially redacted via 1.4a]
  • Enemy Aircraft Location: [redacted via 1.4a]
observations
  • Friendly Aircraft heading: 300 degrees
  • Friendly Aircraft altitude: Flight Level 243 (approximately 24,300 feet)
  • Friendly Aircraft airspeed: 148 KIAS (knots indicated airspeed)
  • Number of Enemy Aircraft: 2
  • Enemy Aircraft Type: SU-30 (Russian fighter aircraft)
  • Enemy Aircraft Nationality: RUSSIAN
  • Enemy Aircraft heading: 270 degrees
  • Enemy Aircraft altitude: Flight Level 190 (approximately 19,000 feet)
  • Enemy Aircraft airspeed: not provided
  • Source of identification: NTIG (likely NATO Tactical Information Group or similar)
  • ESM (Electronic Support Measures) employed: No
  • Countermeasures employed: NONE
  • No engagement of enemy aircraft occurred
assessments
  • Unfriendly intercept by Russian SU-30 fighters
  • No weapons employed by either side
  • No enemy aircraft damaged or destroyed
  • Formation description: not provided
effectiveness
  • Intel Gap Filled?: No
  • Precoord Effectiveness: not applicable
redactions
  • Friendly Aircraft Location | 1.4a redaction
  • Enemy Aircraft Location | 1.4a redaction
  • General section | 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
notes
  • Reaction incident occurred during ISR mission operations
  • Russian aircraft intercepted friendly ISR platform at lower altitude but no engagement
  • This represents the air reaction event mentioned on page 1 of the mission report (2147Z reaction by 1-3 aircraft including possible RFAF SU-30)
  • No weapons or countermeasures were deployed by either side
statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY
page_descriptionUAP observation report documenting sighting of unidentified aerial phenomenon during ISR mission, including reaction event and detailed UAP encounter.
dates2022-05-30 01:17Z | UAP initial contact and observation
uap_observation
  • Initial Contact DTG: 300117:00ZMAY22 (30 May 2022, 0117 UTC)
  • Number of UAP Sighted: 1
  • UAP Signatures: No
  • UAP RF Frequency: not applicable
  • UAP RF Duration: not applicable
  • UAP Effects on Persons: not reported
  • UAP Physical State: not reported
  • UAP Altitude, Depth, Velocity, and Trajectory: not provided
  • UAP Description (e.g., size, shape, color, markings, recognizable features): [redacted via 1.4a]
  • Direction of Flight: North to North East
  • Screener Assessment: Could not get a positive identification on the UAP
locations
  • Friendly Aircraft Location at time of sighting: 36SXD9 [coordinates partially redacted]
  • UAP First Seen Location: 37SBV28 [coordinates partially redacted via 1.4a]
observations
  • Friendly Aircraft Altitude: Flight Level 240 (approximately 24,000 feet)
  • Friendly Aircraft Speed: 142 KIAS (knots indicated airspeed)
  • Friendly Aircraft State: not provided
  • UAP observed at 0117Z flying north to northeast
  • Aircraft crew followed UAP as long as possible
  • Screener could not obtain positive identification
redactions
  • UAP Description (size, shape, color, markings) | 1.4a redaction
  • MDS Type/Asset Type | 1.4a, 1.4g redactions
  • Tail Number | 1.4a, 1.4g redactions
  • Friendly Aircraft Location coordinate details | 1.4a redactions
  • UAP First Seen Location coordinate details | 1.4a redactions
  • Various operational details | 1.4a redactions
reaction_event
  • Time: 2147Z (21:47 UTC)
  • Reacting Aircraft: 1-3 aircraft including 1 possible RFAF (Russian Federation Air Force) SU-30
  • Distance of closest approach: Approximately 5 nautical miles
  • Direction of approach: Westward from Syrian coast
  • Behavior: Flew directly under friendly aircraft orbit (FL190 vs FL243) for approximately 2 minutes, then flew south about 10 nautical miles, then returned west
  • Impact to mission: No impact to the mission
  • Visual acquisition: Friendly aircraft did not visually acquire the reported reacting aircraft
weatherWeather conditions: Was not a factor for operations
assessments
  • Unidentified aerial phenomenon encountered during ISR mission
  • Screener unable to classify or identify the object
  • Object maneuverability demonstrated (northeasterly flight)
  • Intelligence gap regarding nature and origin of object
quotes"OBSERVED A UAP AT 0117Z FLY NORTH TO NORTH EAST AND FOLLOWED AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. [SCREENER] COULD NOT GET A POSITIVE ID ON THE UAP." | mission narrative
notes
  • This is the UAP observation referenced on page 1 of the mission report (AT 01172, ONE POSSIBLE SMALL UAP WAS OBSERVED)
  • Critical details about the UAP are heavily redacted
  • Screener was unable to identify the object despite continuous observation and tracking
  • Object appears to have maneuvered beyond typical aircraft performance
statushas_content
doc_typereport
classificationSECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY
page_descriptionFinal observation page documenting probable SU-27/35 fighter aircraft landing observation via FMV (Full Motion Video) surveillance.
dates2022-05-30 00:11Z | observation of aircraft landing
observations
  • Observation DTG: 300011:00ZMAY22 (30 May 2022, 0011 UTC)
  • Aircraft Observed: One probable SU-27/35 (Russian fighter aircraft)
  • Activity Description: Landing
  • Method of Observation: FMV (Full Motion Video)
  • EEIs Observed: No
  • Number of EEIs: not applicable
  • Aircraft Heading: not provided
  • Aircraft Altitude: not provided
  • Aircraft Airspeed: not provided
  • Relative Bearing or Clock Position: not provided
  • Range: not provided
locations
  • Aircraft Location at time of observation: 36SYE6 [coordinates partially redacted via 1.4a and 2.4a]
  • Observed Activity Location: 36SYE6 [coordinates partially redacted via 1.4a and 2.4a]
  • Airfield: Likely Bassel Al Assad International Airfield based on earlier surveillance details
aircraft_information
  • Aircraft Type: Probable SU-27/35 (Russian multi-role fighter)
  • Aircraft Callsign: [redacted via 1.4a]
redactions
  • Aircraft Callsign | 1.4a redaction
  • Aircraft Location coordinates | 1.4a, 2.4a redactions
  • Observed Activity Location coordinates | 1.4a, 2.4a redactions
  • General information section | 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6)
weatherWeather: Was not a factor for operations
notes
  • This observation corresponds to the event mentioned on page 1 of the mission report (AT 00112, 1.4a OBSERVED ONE PROBABLE SU-27/35 LANDING IYO AL ASSAD AFLD)
  • Full Motion Video (FMV) used to capture the landing event
  • Intelligence collection completed successfully
  • This is the final observation documented in the mission report before mission completion