F-16CM Aircraft Encounter Multiple UAPs During Iraq Mission

A recent mission report reveals that F-16CM aircraft observed several bright objects identified as possible UAPs while conducting operations in Iraq.

Published: July 28, 2026
Source agency: U.S. Department of War

16cmaircraftencountermultipleuapsduringiraqmission

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Opening summary

S. Department of War outlines a significant operation involving two F-16CM aircraft that took off from Prince Sultan Air Base as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. This operation was conducted in the ESSA area, where the aircraft were tasked with air defense duties.

During the course of their mission, the pilots reported observing multiple unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), described as bright objects that exhibited rapid maneuverability. The report indicates that these observations occurred on March 12, 2023, and were notable for the number of UAPs sighted, estimated to be between ten and twenty. As the aircraft operated in the area, they utilized targeting pods to gather visual data on the UAPs.

The pilots noted that the objects would become visible for brief moments before dimming and disappearing from view. This behavior was distinct from previous encounters, as the UAPs did not appear in any formations typically associated with known aerial…

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https://www.war.gov/medialink/ufo/release_03/DOW-UAP-D20-Mission-Report-Iraq-2023.pdf

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