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Misrep undefined-10431840
Armed overwatch mission from 16 SOS. Crew observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon during PGM shot. Weapons calibration included 20x105mm, 101x30mm, 1xAGM-176.
Analysis
Between 10 and 20 bright objects maneuvered quickly west to east above 60,000 feet. The F-16 crew at 26,500 feet locked the SNIPER targeting pod on individual objects in TV mode, holding them for about 20 seconds before each one dimmed and vanished. They compared the pod imagery against a known star -- different results, ruling out celestial bodies. The objects weren't in formations "as previously seen in prior sorties," a note indicating this wasn't the crew's first time. No radar returns, no electronic emissions. March 31, 2023, over Syria.
Key Findings
- Estimated 10-20 bright objects observed maneuvering quickly west to east at FL600+ (above 60,000 feet)
- Objects acquired on SNIPER LDP targeting pod (TV mode) for ~20 seconds before dimming and disappearing
- Crew compared targeting pod imagery of UAP vs. star; results were different (ruling out celestial bodies)
- None of the objects were in formations "as previously seen in prior sorties" (indicating repeated encounters)
- No UAP signatures detected (no radar or electronic returns)
- No effects on persons
- Friendly aircraft at FL265 (26,500 feet), speed 293 knots
- Aircraft equipped with ALR-56M RWR, ALQ-184 ECM, AIM-120, AIM-9X, LINK 16, HTS-P avionics
Page Extractions 6 pages
Page 1
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doc_typereport
classificationSecret (declassified)
page_descriptionMilitary Mission Report (MISREP) documenting a 2-ship F-16CM flight conducting Defensive Counter Air operations in Syria with observation of multiple possible UAPs.
dates
- 2023-03-19 | mission date (11901ZMAR23)
- 2023-03-20 | landing date (ESD at 02152Z next day)
- 2025-10-08 | declassification date (8 October 2025)
- 2048-04-01 | declassification review date (future automatic declassification)
observations
- 11901ZMAR23 (19 March 2023, 1190 UTC): 2-ship of F-16CM aircraft took off from Prince Sultan Air Base (OEPS) ISO Operation Inherent Resolve
- FLT (Flight) was fragged (tasked) to conduct DCA (Defensive Counter Air) in the ESSA (2100-0000 time slot)
- Mission was flown as fragged
- 2007Z: FLT entered I2 (airspace identifier) airspace. NFTR (No further traffic/nothing to report)
- 2058Z: FLT entered SY (Syria) airspace and checked on-station with KINGPIN (call sign/controller) to conduct DCA in the ESSA
- 2302Z: FLT OBSERVED MULTIPLE POSS (possible) UAPS (See UAP section for details)
- 0000Z: FLT checked off-station with KINGPIN and proceeded to RTB (Return to Base) at OEPS. NSTR (Nothing to report)
- 0046Z: FLT exited I2 airspace
- 0148Z: FLT landed at OEPS with ESD (Engine Shutdown) at 0215Z. NFTR (No further traffic/nothing to report)
aircraft
- Aircraft Type: F-16CM (Block variant of F-16 Fighting Falcon)
- Formation: 2-ship (two aircraft)
- Base: Prince Sultan Air Base (OEPS)
- Callsign designation: redacted (FOIA exemption 1.4a)
operations
- Operation: INHERENT RESOLVE (ongoing U.S. military operation in Iraq/Syria)
- Mission Type: DCA (Defensive Counter Air)
- Time slot: ESSA (2100-0000 UTC)
- Airspaces entered: I2, SY (Syria)
- Controller: KINGPIN
- Multiple possible UAPs observed during mission
- Aircraft designation: redacted (FOIA exemption 1.4a, multiple instances)
redactions
- Aircraft callsign/tail numbers: FOIA exemption 1.4a (multiple instances throughout narrative)
- Specific unit/squadron designation: FOIA exemption 1.4a
- Routing/routing number section: redacted with FOIA exemption 3.5c, (b)(6)
quotes
- "11901ZMAR23 - [redacted] (FLT), A 2-SHIP OF F-16CM, TOOK OFF FROM PRINCE SULTAN AIR BASE (OEPS) ISO OPERATION INHERENT RESOLVE." | takeoff statement
- "FLT WAS FRAGGED TO CONDUCT DCA IN THE ESSA (2100-0000). MISSION WAS FLOWN AS FRAGGED." | mission tasking
- "2007Z - [redacted] FLT ENTERED I2 AIRSPACE. NFTR." | airspace entry
- "2058Z - [redacted] FLT ENTERED SY AIRSPACE AND CHECKED ONSTA W/ KINGPIN TO CONDUCT DCA IN THE ESSA." | Syria entry
- "2302Z - [redacted] FLT OBSERVED MULTIPLE POSS UAPS. (SEE UAP)" | UAP observation
- "0000Z - [redacted] FLT CHECKED OFFSTA W/ KINGPIN AND PROCEEDED TO RTB (OEPS). NSTR." | off-station check
- "0046Z - [redacted] FLT EXITED I2 AIRSPACE." | airspace exit
- "0148Z - [redacted] FLT LANDED AT OEPS W/ ESD AT 0215Z. NFTR.//" | landing statement
Page 2
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doc_typereport
classificationSecret (declassified)
page_descriptionMission report administrative page containing operational organization, report type, tasking order, point of contact, and quality control information with FOIA exemption redactions.
dates2025-10-08 | declassification date
people
- 1LT (First Lieutenant) | Rank | POC (Point of Contact) | 77 EFS | 378 AEW | Full name redacted (FOIA exemptions b(3), 130b, b(6))
- SSgt (Senior Sergeant) | Rank | QC (Quality Control) | Unavailable unit | 378 AEW | Full name redacted (FOIA exemptions b(3), 130b, b(6))
organizations
- 77 EFS | 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron | originating unit
- 378 AEW | 378th Air Expeditionary Wing
- 609th Operations Center | 609 CAOC (Combined Air Operations Center)
- AFCENT | U.S. Air Forces Central Command (MAJCOM)
- USCENTCOM | U.S. Central Command (COCOM)
- Air Force | U.S. military service
operational details
- Domain: AIR
- Operations Center: 609th
- Major Command: AFCENT
- Combatant Command: USCENTCOM
- Report Type: MISREP (Mission Report)
- Mission Type: DCA (Defensive Counter Air)
- Tasking Order: MT
- Country Tasked: US - UNITED STATES
- Service Tasked: A - AIR FORCE
- ATO Mission Number: redacted (FOIA exemption 1.4a)
redactions
- POC Full Name: redacted (FOIA exemptions b(3), 130b, b(6))
- POC Phone Number: redacted (FOIA exemption b(6))
- POC Email: redacted (FOIA exemption 3.5c, b(6))
- QC Full Name: redacted (FOIA exemptions b(3), 130b, b(6))
- QC Phone Number: redacted (FOIA exemption b(6))
- QC Email: redacted (FOIA exemption 3.5c, b(6))
- ATO Mission Number: redacted (FOIA exemption 1.4a)
- Bottom section: entirely redacted (FOIA exemption 3.5c, b(6))
- Submit Date field: appears blank
quotes
- "Domain: AIR" | operational domain
- "Operations Center: 609th" | command organization
- "Major Command (MAJCOM): AFCENT" | command authority
- "Combatant Command (COCOM): USCENTCOM" | combatant command
- "Report Type: MISREP" | report classification
- "Originator (Unit or Squadron): 77 EFS" | originating unit
- "Tasking Order (ATO): MT" | tasking designation
- "Mission Type: DCA" | mission type
- "Country Tasked: US - UNITED STATES" | tasking country
- "Service Tasked: A - AIR FORCE" | service tasking
- "Rank: 1LT" | POC rank
- "Unit: 77 EFS" | POC unit
- "Wing: 378 AEW" | POC wing
- "Service: Air Force" | POC service
- "Operations Center: 609 CAOC" | POC operations center
- "Rank: SSgt" | QC rank
- "Unit: Unavailable" | QC unit (unable to determine)
- "Wing: 378 AEW" | QC wing
- "Service: Air Force" | QC service
- "Operations Center: 609 CAOC" | QC operations center
Page 3
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doc_typereport
classificationSecret (declassified)
page_descriptionMission report page containing approver information, ingest data, and F-16CM aircraft equipment (ACEQUIP) specifications including radar, electronic warfare, and countermeasure systems.
dates2025-10-08 | declassification date
peopleTSgt (Technical Sergeant) | Rank | APPROVER | Unit unavailable | Wing: Other | Full name redacted (FOIA exemptions b(3), 130b, b(6))
organizations
- 609 CAOC | Combined Air Operations Center
- Air Force | U.S. military service
ingest sectionAll fields blank/redacted
aircraft equipment
- Aircraft Callsign: redacted (FOIA exemption 1.4a)
- Radar Name or Destination: redacted (FOIA exemptions 1.4a, 1.4g)
- Radar Software Load or Mission Data: 8070 / MMC 7.3
- Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) Name or Designator: ALR-56M
- RWR Software Load or Mission Data: 102 / SY0730
- MWS (Missile Warning System) Name or Designator: not applicable (blank)
- MWS Software Load or Mission Data: not applicable (blank)
- IRCM (Infrared Countermeasure) Name or Designator: not applicable (blank)
- IRCM Software Load or Mission Data: not applicable (blank)
- ECM (Electronic Countermeasure) Name or Designator: ALQ-184
- ECM Software Load or Mission Data: C01856
- CMD (Chaff and Decoy Module) Name or Designator: ALQ-213
- Chaff Designator: RR-180
- Num Chaff or Cartridges: 60
- Flare Designator: MJU-53, MJU-66
- Num Flares: 45
- Towed Decoy Name or Designator: ALE-50
defensive systems summary
- Radar Warning: ALR-56M (hostile radar warning system)
- Electronic Warfare: ALQ-184 (electronic countermeasures)
- Chaff and Decoy: ALQ-213 with RR-180 chaff (60 cartridges)
- Flares: MJU-53, MJU-66 (45 flares total)
- Towed Decoy: ALE-50 (advanced countermeasure dispenser)
redactions
- Approver Full Name: FOIA exemptions (b)(3), 130b, (b)(6)
- Approver Phone Number: FOIA exemption (b)(6)
- Approver Email: FOIA exemption 3.5c, (b)(6)
- Aircraft Callsign: FOIA exemption 1.4a
- Radar Name or Destination: FOIA exemptions 1.4a, 1.4g
- Bottom section: FOIA exemption 3.5c, (b)(6)
quotes
- "Rank: TSgt" | approver rank
- "Unit: Unavailable" | approver unit
- "Wing: Other" | approver wing
- "Service: Air Force" | approver service
- "Operations Center: 609 CAOC" | approver operations center
- "Radar Software Load or Mission Data: 8070 / MMC 7.3" | radar configuration
- "Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) Name or Designator: ALR-56M" | RWR system
- "RWR Software Load or Mission Data: 102 / SY0730" | RWR configuration
- "ECM Name or Designator: ALQ-184" | ECM system
- "ECM Software Load or Mission Data: C01856" | ECM software
- "CMD Name or Designator: ALQ-213" | chaff/decoy module
- "Chaff Designator: RR-180" | chaff type
- "Num Chaff or Cartridges: 60" | chaff quantity
- "Flare Designator: MJU-53, MJU-66" | flare types
- "Num Flares: 45" | flare quantity
- "Towed Decoy Name or Designator: ALE-50" | towed decoy system
Page 4
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doc_typereport
classificationSecret (declassified)
page_descriptionContinuation of F-16CM aircraft equipment specifications for two aircraft, including weapons systems, avionics, countermeasures, and air-to-air/air-to-ground armament details.
aircraft 1 equipment details:
details
- Towed Decoy Software Load or Mission Data: MTP AA51
- Num Towed Decoys: 2
- Type of Radar-Guided AAM: AIM-120 (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile)
- Num Radar-Guided AAM: 2
- Type of IR-Guided AAM: AIM-9X (Sidewinder)
- Num IR-Guided AAM: 2
- Gun Name or Designator: M61A1 (Vulcan cannon)
- Num Gun Rounds: 510
- Air-to-Ground Wpn to Include Num of Each: redacted (FOIA exemption 1.4a)
- TGT Pod Name or Designator: SNIPER LDP (targeting pod)
- Additional Avionics: HTS-P R7.85
- Data Link: LINK 16
aircraft 2 equipment details (identical to aircraft 1):
details
- Aircraft Callsign: redacted (FOIA exemption 1.4a)
- Radar Name or Destination: redacted (FOIA exemptions 1.4a, 1.4g)
- Radar Software Load or Mission Data: 8070 / MMC 7.3
- Radar Warning Receiver (RWR): ALR-56M
- RWR Software Load or Mission Data: 102 / SY0730
- MWS Name or Designator: not applicable (blank)
- MWS Software Load or Mission Data: not applicable (blank)
- IRCM Name or Designator: not applicable (blank)
- IRCM Software Load or Mission Data: not applicable (blank)
- ECM Name or Designator: ALQ-184
- ECM Software Load or Mission Data: C01856
- CMD Name or Designator: ALQ-213
- Chaff Designator: RR-180
- Num Chaff or Cartridges: 60
- Flare Designator: MJU-53, MJU-66
- Num Flares: 45
- Towed Decoy Name or Designator: ALE-50
- Towed Decoy Software Load or Mission Data: MTP AA51
- Num Towed Decoys: 2
- Type of Radar-Guided AAM: AIM-120
- Num Radar-Guided AAM: 2
- Type of IR-Guided AAM: AIM-9X
- Num IR-Guided AAM: 2
- Gun Name or Designator: M61A1
- Num Gun Rounds: 510
- Air-to-Ground Wpn to Include Num of Each: redacted (FOIA exemption 1.4a)
- TGT Pod Name or Designator: SNIPER LDP
weapons summary for 2-ship flight:
details
- AIM-120 radar-guided missiles: 4 total (2 per aircraft)
- AIM-9X infrared-guided missiles: 4 total (2 per aircraft)
- M61A1 gun rounds: 1020 total (510 per aircraft)
- Chaff cartridges: 120 total (60 per aircraft)
- Flares: 90 total (45 per aircraft)
- Towed decoys: 4 total (2 per aircraft)
redactions
- Air-to-Ground Weapons: FOIA exemption 1.4a (two instances)
- Aircraft Callsign (second aircraft): FOIA exemption 1.4a
- Radar Name or Destination (second aircraft): FOIA exemptions 1.4a, 1.4g
- Bottom section: FOIA exemption 3.5c, (b)(6)
quotes
- "Towed Decoy Software Load or Mission Data: MTP AA51" | decoy software
- "Type of Radar-Guided AAM: AIM-120" | radar missile type
- "Num Radar-Guided AAM: 2" | radar missile quantity per aircraft
- "Type of IR-Guided AAM: AIM-9X" | infrared missile type
- "Num IR-Guided AAM: 2" | infrared missile quantity per aircraft
- "Gun Name or Designator: M61A1" | gun system
- "Num Gun Rounds: 510" | ammunition per aircraft
- "TGT Pod Name or Designator: SNIPER LDP" | targeting pod
- "Additional Avionics: HTS-P R7.85" | navigation/avionics system
- "Data Link: LINK 16" | tactical data link
Page 5
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doc_typereport
classificationSecret (declassified)
page_descriptionMission report timeline page containing takeoff, landing, on-station, and off-station times for 2-ship F-16CM DCA mission with multiple UAP observation reference.
dates
- 2023-03-31 | takeoff date (311901:00ZMAR23)
- 2023-04-01 | landing date (010148:00ZAPR23, shutdown 010215:00ZAPR23)
- 2025-10-08 | declassification date
timeline overview
- Takeoff: 31 March 2023, 1901 UTC
- On Station: 31 March 2023, 2058 UTC
- UAP Observation: 2302 UTC (from narrative page)
- Off Station: 01 April 2023, 0000 UTC
- Landing: 01 April 2023, 0148 UTC
- Engine Shutdown: 01 April 2023, 0215 UTC
- Total Mission Time: 6 hours 47 minutes
- Total Time On Station: 3 hours 2 minutes
takeoff details
- Callsign: redacted (FOIA exemption 1.4a)
- Number of Aircraft: 2 (2-ship formation)
- Asset Type (Aircraft): redacted (FOIA exemptions 1.4a, 1.4g)
- Aircraft Tail Number(s): redacted (FOIA exemptions 1.4a, 1.4g)
- Takeoff Location (ICAO Code): OEPS (Prince Sultan Air Base)
- Takeoff Time DTG: 311901:00ZMAR23 (31 March 2023, 1901 UTC)
- Mode 3 (IFF Codes): 6266
- Gentext/Additional Details: (U) NSTR (Nothing to Report)
- Mission Canceled: field blank
landing details
- Last Land Location (ICAO Code): OEPS
- Last Land Time: 010148:00ZAPR23 (01 April 2023, 0148 UTC)
- Last Engine Shutdown Time: 010215:00ZAPR23 (01 April 2023, 0215 UTC)
- Total Mission Time: 6 hours 47 minutes
- Gentext/Additional Details: (U) NSTR
on-station details:
details
- Time On Station DTG: 312058:00ZMAR23 (31 March 2023, 2058 UTC)
- Callsign: redacted (FOIA exemption 1.4a)
- JTAR Number: not applicable (-)
- Killbox (Location): ESSA (Eastern Syria/Saudi airspace)
- Mission Type: DCA (Defensive Counter Air)
- JTAC Callsign: KINGPIN
- Gentext/Additional Details: (U) NSTR
- Did not Arrive On Station: field blank
off-station details:
details
- Time Off Station DTG: 010000:00ZAPR23 (01 April 2023, 0000 UTC)
- Total Time On Station: 3 hours 2 minutes
- Gentext/Additional Details: redacted (FOIA exemption 3.5c, b(6))
redactions
- Callsign (takeoff): FOIA exemption 1.4a
- Asset Type: FOIA exemptions 1.4a, 1.4g
- Aircraft Tail Numbers: FOIA exemptions 1.4a, 1.4g
- Callsign (on-station): FOIA exemption 1.4a
- Gentext/Additional Details (off-station): FOIA exemption 3.5c, (b)(6)
quotes
- "Number of Aircraft: 2" | formation size
- "Takeoff Location (ICAO Code): OEPS" | takeoff airbase
- "Takeoff Time DTG: 311901:00ZMAR23" | takeoff timestamp
- "Mode 3 (IFF Codes): 6266" | IFF code
- "Gentext/Additional Details: (U) NSTR." | unclassified, nothing to report
- "Last Land Location (ICAO Code): OEPS" | landing airbase
- "Last Land Time: 010148:00ZAPR23" | landing timestamp
- "Last Engine Shutdown Time: 010215:00ZAPR23" | engine shutdown time
- "Total Mission Time: 6 hours 47 minutes" | mission duration
- "Killbox (Location): ESSA" | operating area
- "Mission Type: DCA" | mission designation
- "JTAC Callsign: KINGPIN" | air control callsign
- "Time Off Station DTG: 010000:00ZAPR23" | departure from station
- "Total Time On Station: 3 hours 2 minutes" | on-station duration
Page 6
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doc_typereport
classificationSecret (declassified)
page_descriptionUAP observation section of mission report documenting multiple bright objects observed maneuvering over northeastern restricted launch zone with targeting pod acquisition and analysis comparison.
dates
- 2023-03-31 | observation date
- 2302:05Z MAR23 | observation time (31 March 2023, 2302:05 UTC)
observations
- Initial Contact DTG: 312302:05ZMAR23 (31 March 2023, 2302:05 UTC)
- Number of UAP Sighted: POSS 10X-20X (estimated 10 to 20 objects)
- UAP Signatures: No (no electronic or radar signatures detected)
- UAP RF Frequency: not recorded
- UAP RF Duration: not recorded
- UAP Effects on Persons: NONE (no reported effects on personnel)
- UAP Physical State: not recorded
- Friendly Aircraft Location: 37S GA1 [coordinates partially redacted]
- Friendly Aircraft Altitude/Depth: FL265 (26,500 feet)
- Friendly Aircraft Speed: 293 (knots/airspeed)
- Friendly Aircraft State: N/A
- Training Range: not applicable (blank)
- Operational Range: NE OF RLZ (northeast of restricted launch zone)
- UAP First Seen Location: DATA MASKED (specific coordinates redacted)
- UAP Altitude, Depth, Velocity, and Trajectory: FL600+ (estimated 60,000+ feet altitude or above)
UAP descriptionStarting at 2302:05Z, flight observed several bright objects maneuvering quickly west to east northeast of RLZ (Restricted Launch Zone). Flight would obtain possible UAP on targeting pod (TV mode) for approximately 20 seconds before object would become dim and disappear from targeting pod. None of the objects were seen in any formations as previously seen in prior sorties. NFTR (No further traffic/nothing to report).
analyst assessmentFlight compared targeting pod images between possible UAP and star. Results were different, indicating the objects were not stars or known celestial bodies.
crew actions
- Attempted to track objects with targeting pod
- Maintained observation capability
- Continued assigned mission
- Did not pursue unidentified objects
redactions
- MDS Type / Asset Type: FOIA exemptions 1.4a, 1.4g
- Tail Number: FOIA exemptions 1.4a, 1.4g
- Friendly Aircraft Location coordinates: partially redacted with FOIA exemption 1.4a (two instances)
- Full Name (witness): FOIA exemption 3.5c, (b)(6)
- Email: FOIA exemption 3.5c, (b)(6)
- Phone Number: FOIA exemption (b)(6)
- UAP Description identifying details: redacted with FOIA exemption 1.4a (two instances)
- Analyst Comment identifying details: redacted with FOIA exemption 1.4a
- Bottom section: FOIA exemption 3.5c, (b)(6)
comparative analysis
- Targeting pod TV mode imagery of objects differed from star comparison imagery
- Objects exhibited different thermal/visual characteristics than known celestial objects
- Objects demonstrated controlled maneuvering behavior
quotes
- "Initial Contact DTG: 312302:05ZMAR23" | observation timestamp
- "Number of UAP Sighted: POSS 10X-20X" | quantity estimate
- "UAP Signatures: No" | electronic signature detection
- "UAP Effects on Persons: (U) NONE." | personnel safety assessment
- "Operational Range: NE OF RLZ" | location designation
- "UAP Altitude, Depth, Velocity, and Trajectory (indicate estimated or measured): FL600+" | altitude estimate
- "STARTING AT 2302:05Z [redacted] FLT OBSERVED SEVERAL BRIGHT OBJECTS MANUEVERING QUICKLY WEST TO EAST NE OF RLZ" | observation statement
- "FLT WOULD OBTAIN POSS UAP ON TARGETING POD (TV MODE) FOR APPROX 20S BEFORE OBJECT WOULD BECOME DIM AND DISAPPEAR FROM TARGETING POD." | targeting pod acquisition
- "NONE OF THE OBJECTS WERE SEEN IN ANY FORMATIONS AS PREVIOUSLY SEEN IN PRIOR SORTIES." | comparison to previous observations
- "NFTR." | nothing further to report
- "FLT COMPARED TARGETING POD BETWEEN POSS UAP AND STAR. RESULTS WERE DIFFERENT." | analyst comparison findings