DOW-UAP-D028 Mission Report — Iraq, September 2024
This is a standardized U.S. Military Mission Report (MISREP), released by the Department of War and approved for release to AARO, recording a UAP incident during Operation INHERENT RESOLVE under USCENTCOM. According to the report, an AFSOC aircraft (SOTU 016 / 16 SOS elements) departed OKAS at 1740Z on 20 September 2024 to conduct armed overwatch within Ayn Al Asad Airbase's Restricted Operating Zone (ROZ) RAINDROP, arriving on station about 1930Z. During a weapons calibration the crew released mixed 30mm, 105mm gunfire and one AGM-176 Griffin missile. After weapons release (call for fire ~2025Z; initial UAP contact logged 202027:59Z), the Weapons Systems Officer and Combat Systems Officer observed an unidentified object 'fly' through the aircraft's MX-20 and MX-25 IR sensors at a high rate of speed, creating an IR lens flare that the reporter assessed indicated a significant heat source. The crew maintained laser energy until munition impact and did not reobserve the UAP. The report notes it is unknown whether an object detached from the primary UAP before leaving the sensor field of view. The observer assessed the UAP as 'Benign' and 'Solid,' with no recovered material, no effects on persons or equipment, and no observed reaction to detection. The document was declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison, USCENTCOM Chief of Staff, on 24 October 2025. Note: the source page and document content place the incident in Iraq, despite the filename referencing the East China Sea. All descriptive language reflects the reporter's subjective interpretation at the time and is not a conclusive indication of object features.
Description
A redacted U.S. Department of War Mission Report (MISREP) documenting a Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) observation reported by an AFSOC armed-overwatch crew during a weapons calibration test near Ayn Al Asad Airbase, Iraq. Released to AARO and declassified by USCENTCOM.
Claims
During a weapons calibration test after firing an AGM-176 Griffin, U.S. military operators observed a UAP moving at high speed through the aircraft's MX-20 and MX-25 IR sensor field-of-view, producing a lens flare.
70%The reporter assessed the IR lens flare was associated with 'a significant heat source.'
60%It is unknown whether an object detached itself from the primary UAP immediately before leaving the sensor field of view.
50%The UAP's path of movement appeared predetermined and not in response to the aircraft's detection.
45%The observer assessed the UAP as benign and solid, with no effects on persons or equipment and no recovered material.
60%
Events
Sep 20, 2024
Aircraft departs OKAS
Aircraft departed OKAS at 1740Z to conduct armed overwatch.
Sep 20, 2024
Arrived on station in ROZ RAINDROP
Entered Ayn Al Asad Airbase Restricted Operating Zone RAINDROP for weapons calibration.
Sep 20, 2024
UAP observation during PGM shot
After AGM-176 release (~2025Z), WSO and CSO observed an unidentified object create an IR lens flare through MX-20 & MX-25 sensors; initial contact logged 202027:59Z.
Sep 20, 2024
Aircraft cleared off station
Cleared off station at 2323Z; GFC intent met.
Sep 20, 2024
Aircraft lands at OKAS
Landed at OKAS at 0046Z; total mission time 7 hours 6 minutes.
Oct 23, 2025
Declassification
Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison, USCENTCOM Chief of Staff.
Oct 27, 2025
Approved for Release to AARO
Report stamped approved for release to AARO on 10/28/25.
May 7, 2026
Public release by Department of War
Release date listed on the hosting page manifest.
Dates mentioned
Keywords
Entities
Organizations
Phenomena
People
Programs
Extracted text (OCR)
SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison USCENTCOM Chief of Staff Declassified on: 24 October 2025 Misrep undefined-10431840 Narrative (SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY) (b)(1)1.4a DEPARTED OKAS AT 1740Z TO CONDUCT (b)(1)1.4a ARMED OVERWATCH IVO 38SKC63 2 ARRIVED ON STATION AT (b)(1)1.4a (b)(1)1.4 APPROXIMATELY 1930Z AND CHECKED IN WITH (b)(1)1.4a PERFORMED A WEAPONS CALIBRATION, HAVING RELEASED 20x105mm, 101x30mm, 1xAGM-176. (b)(1)1.4a 's CREW OBSERVED AN UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL PHENOMENA DURING ITS PGM SHOT (SEE UAP 1). (b)(1)1.4a WAS CLEARED OFF STATION AT 2323Z. GFC INTENT MET. (b)(1)1.4a LANDED AT OKAS AT 0046Z. (S/RELIDO) Mission Narrative Admin CLASSIFICATION • Classification: SECRET • Associated Caveats: REL TO USA, FVEY • Classification Source (MS or Classification Guide ID): MS • Declassification Date (YYYYMMDD): 20490921 OPERATION • Operation: INHERENT RESOLVE • Domain: AIR • Operations Center: 609th • Major Command (MAJCOM): AFSOC • Combatant Command (COCOM): USCENTCOM MSGID • Report Type: MISREP • Originator (Unit or Squadron): SOTU 016 • Submit Date: 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY USCENTCOM MDR 25-0100 thru 25-0103 / JS-250710-TM8S Approved for Release to AARO 10/28/25 001 SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison USCENTCOM Chief of Staff Declassified on: 24 October 2025 MSNID • Tasking Order (ATO): HM • Mission Type: ARMED OVERWATCH • ATO Mission Number: (b)(1)1.4a, (b)(1)1.4g • Country Tasked: US - UNITED STATES • Service Tasked: A - AIR FORCE Poc POC • Rank: CAPT • Full Name:Exemptions (b)(3), 130b, (b)(6) 3.5c, FOIA • Unit: 16 SOS • Wing: 27 SOW • Phone Number: 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) • Email: 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) • Service: Air Force • Operations Center: Other QC • Rank: SrA • Full3.5c, Name: FOIA Exemptions (b)(3), 130b, (b)(6) • Unit: Unavailable • Wing: 1 SOW • Phone Number: 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) • Email: 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) • Service: Air Force • Operations Center: Other APPROVER • Rank: SSgt • Full Name: 3.5c, FOIA Exemptions (b)(3), 130b, (b)(6) • Unit: ACF • Wing: 379 AEW • Phone Number: 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) • Email: 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) • Service: Air Force • Operations Center: 609 CAOC 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY USCENTCOM MDR 25-0100 thru 25-0103 / JS-250710-TM8S Approved for Release to AARO 10/28/25 002 SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison USCENTCOM Chief of Staff Declassified on: 24 October 2025 INGEST • Rank: • Full Name: • Unit: • Wing: • Phone Number: • Email: • Service: • Operations Center: ACEQUIP ACEQUIP • Aircraft Callsign: (b)(1)1.4a • Radar Name or Destination: AN/APN-241 • Radar Software Load or Mission Data: AN/ALR-56M • Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) Name or Designator: ALR-56M • RWR Software Load or Mission Data: AAR-47 • MWS Name or Designator: AAR-47 • MWS Software Load or Mission Data: • IRCM Name or Designator: AN-AAQ-24 • IRCM Software Load or Mission Data: • ECM Name or Designator: AAQ-24B • ECM Software Load or Mission Data: ALE-47 • CMD Name or Designator: ALE-47 • Chaff Designator: RR180 • Num Chaff or Cartridges: 716 • Flare Designator: MJU-71, MJU-66, M206 • Num Flares: 240 • Towed Decoy Name or Designator: • Towed Decoy Software Load or Mission Data: • Num Towed Decoys: • Type of Radar-Guided AAM: • Num Radar-Guided AAM: • Type of IR-Guided AAM: • Num IR-Guided AAM: • Gun Name or Designator: 30MM, 105MM • Num Gun Rounds: • Air-to-Ground Wpn to Include Num of Each: 1.4(a) • TGT Pod Name or Designator: MX-25 • Additional Avionics: GPS/SADL 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY USCENTCOM MDR 25-0100 thru 25-0103 / JS-250710-TM8S Approved for Release to AARO 10/28/25 003 SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison USCENTCOM Chief of Staff Declassified on: 24 October 2025 • Data Link: GATEWAY (IF BOTH) • Gentext: 1020x30mm / 80x105mm Timeline Takeoff • Callsign: (b)(1)1.4a • Number of Aircraft: 1 • Asset Type (Aircraft): (b)(1)1.4a, (b)(1)1.4g • Aircraft Tail Number(s): (b)(1)1.4a, (b)(1)1.4g • Takeoff Location (ICAO Code): OKAS • Takeoff Time DTG: 201740:00ZSEP24 • Mode 3 (IFF Codes): • Gentext/Additional Details: • Mission Canceled: Landing • Last Land Location (ICAO Code): OKAS • Last Land Time: 210046:00ZSEP24 • Last Engine Shutdown Time: 200101:00ZSEP24 • Total Mission Time: 7 hours 6 minutes • Gentext/Additional Details: On Station • Time On Station DTG: 201930:00ZSEP24 • Callsign: (b)(1)1.4a • JTAR Number: • Killbox (Location): • Mission Type: ARMED OVERWATCH • JTAC Callsign: • Gentext/Additional Details: • Did not Arrive On Station: Off Station • Time Off Station DTG: 202323:00ZSEP24 • Total Time On Station: 3 hours 53 minutes • Gentext/Additional Details: 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY USCENTCOM MDR 25-0100 thru 25-0103 / JS-250710-TM8S Approved for Release to AARO 10/28/25 004 SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison USCENTCOM Chief of Staff Declassified on: 24 October 2025 UAP • Initial Contact DTG: 202027:59ZSEP24 • UAP Event Type: UAP Incident • UAP Maneuverability Observations: UAP FLEW THROUGH (b)(1)1.4a SENSOR IN BETWEEN MUNITION RELEASE AND MUNITION IMPACT • UAP Response to Observer Actions: NONE OBSERVED • MDS Type / Asset Type: (b)(1)1.4a, (b)(1)1.4g • Tail Number: (b)(1)1.4a, (b)(1)1.4g • Friendly Aircraft Location: 38SKC55 5 (b)(1)1.4a (b)(1)1.4a • Friendly Aircraft Altitude/Depth: FL130 • Friendly Aircraft Trajectory: 096 STRAIGHT AND LEVEL • Observer Assessment of UAP: Benign • Friendly Aircraft Speed: 170 KIAS • Observation Interrogation of UAP (yes/no; if yes list sensor(s) and returns):: NO • Third-party Observers and/or Reporters: NO PARTIES REPORTED AN ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT IN THE AIRSPACE WITH (b)(1)1.4a • Friendly Aircraft State: • Training Range (If applicable): YES • Operational Range: AYN AL ASAD ROZ RAINDROP • UAP Physical State: Solid • Number of UAP Sighted: • UAP Propulsion Means: • UAP Payload: • UAP Under Intelligent Control (yes/no; if yes, describe): • UAP Signatures: IR SIGNATURE DETECTABLE BY MX-20 & MX-25 • UAP Advanced Capabilities And/Or Materials (yes/no; if yes, describe): NONE OBSERVED • UAP RF Frequency: • UAP RF Duration: • UAP Event Serial Number: 202027ZSEP2024-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, FOIA Exemptions (b)(3), 130b, (b)(6) • Rank/Grade: CAPTAIN • Email: 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) • Phone Number (VOSIP/STE): 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) • Observer Engagement of UAP (yes/no; if yes, describe): NO • First Coordinate: 38SKC59 7 (b)(1)1.4a (b)(1)1.4a • First Seen Radius: • Last Accuracy: Precise • Last Coordinate: 38SKC59 7 (b)(1)1.4a (b)(1)1.4a • Last Seen Radius: • Kinetic Altitude Accuracy: Estimated 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY USCENTCOM MDR 25-0100 thru 25-0103 / JS-250710-TM8S Approved for Release to AARO 10/28/25 005 SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison USCENTCOM Chief of Staff Declassified on: 24 October 2025 • Kinetic Altitude: • Kinetic Depth Accuracy: Estimated • Kinetic Depth: • Kinetic Velocity Accuracy: Estimated • Kinetic Velocity: • Kinetic Trajectory Accuracy: Estimated • Kinetic Trajectory: • UAP Date of DoD Acquisition: 210000:00ZSEP24 • UAP Reaction to Observation, Interrogation, Engagement (yes/no; if yes, describe): NONE OBSERVED; PATH OF MOVEMENT APPEARED PREDETERMINED AND NOT IN RESPONSE TO (b)(1)1.4a 's DETECTION • UAP Anomalous Characteristics/ Behaviors: IT IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME WHETHER AN OBJECT DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE PRIMARY UAP IMMEDIATELY BEFORE LEAVING THE SENSOR FIELD OF VIEW. • First Accuracy: Precise • Call Sign: (b)(1)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): UAP CREATED IR LENS FLARE ON MX-20 & MX-25 SENSORS, INDICATING A SIGNIFICANT HEAT SOURCE. THE UAP MOVED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED THROUGH THE SENSOR FIELD OF VIEW. THE CREW MAINTAINED LASER ENERGY UNTIL THE MUNITION IMPACTED ITS DESIRED TARGET. (b)(1)1.4a DID NOT REOBSERVE THE UAP. ENTERED AYN AL • Gentext (UAP Event Description): (S//REL TO USA, FVEY) (b)(1)1.4a ASAD AIRBASE's (AAAB) RESTRICTED OPERATING ZONE (ROZ) RAINDROP AT APPROXIMATELY 1930Z TO CONDUCT A WEAPONS CALIBRATION. (b)(1)1.4a RECEIVED A CALL FOR FIRE AT APPROXIMATELY 2025Z TO EMPLOY AN AGM-176. AFTER WEAPONS RELEASE, THE WEAPONS SYSTEMS OFFICER (WSO) AND COMBAT SYSTEMS OFFICER (CSO) OBSERVED AN UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT "FLY" THROUGH THE AIRCRAFT SENSORS AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. THE UAP CREATED AN IR LENS FLARE ON THE MX-20 & MX-25 SENSORS, WHICH INDICATED A SIGNIFICANT HEAT SIGNATURE COMING FROM THE OBJECT. IT IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME WHETHER AN OBJECT DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE PRIMARY UAP IMMEDIATELY BEFORE LEAVING THE SENSOR FIELD OF VIEW. THE CREW MAINTAINED LASER ENERGY UNTIL THE MUNITION IMPACTED ITS DESIRED TARGET. (b)(1)1.4a DID NOT REOBSERVE THE UAP. (S//REL) UAP EVENT SERIAL NUMBER IS CORRECT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE "CCMD ASSIGNED NUMERICAL SEQUENCE," WHICH IS UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME. 3.5c, FOIA Exemption (b)(6) SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY USCENTCOM MDR 25-0100 thru 25-0103 / JS-250710-TM8S Approved for Release to AARO 10/28/25 006
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