Opening summary
The mission report from USCENTCOM details a significant encounter with an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) that occurred during an armed overwatch operation in the East China Sea on September 24, 2024. The crew, engaged in a weapons calibration exercise, observed the UAP while conducting a precision-guided munition (PGM) shot. This incident unfolded as the aircraft was positioned at a designated location, where it had been tasked to perform its mission.
During the operation, the crew noted that the UAP created an infrared lens flare on their sensors, indicating a substantial heat source emanating from the object. This observation was particularly striking, as the UAP traversed the sensor field at a notably high rate of speed. The report emphasizes that the crew maintained laser energy until the munition impacted its intended target.
However, despite the initial sighting, the UAP was not reobserved after it exited the sensor field, leaving several questions…