10–20 bright maneuvering objects observed from targeting pod — Syria/ESSA area, 31 March 2023

Starting at 2302:05Z on 31 March 2023, a 2-ship of F-16CM aircraft from 77 EFS/378 AEW conducting DCA in the ESSA killbox at FL265 observed an estimated 10–20 possible UAP maneuvering quickly from west to east, NE of RLZ. Objects were acquired on the targeting pod (TV mode) for approximately 20 seconds each before becoming dim and disappearing. None of the objects were in formation. UAP altitude was reported as FL600+. An analyst comment noted that a comparison was made between the targeting pod return from a possible UAP and a star, and the results were different.

“"STARTING AT 2302:05Z [REDACTED] FLT OBSERVED SEVERAL BRIGHT OBJECTS MANUEVERING QUICKLY WEST TO EAST NE OF RLZ [REDACTED] FLT WOULD OBTAIN POSS UAP ON TARGETING POD (TV MODE) FOR APPROX 20S 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." ANALYST COMMENT: "[REDACTED] FLT COMPARED TARGETING POD BETWEEN POSS UAP AND STAR. RESULTS WERE DIFFERENT."”

UAP count reported as 'POSS 10X-20X', which is a wide estimate range — exact count treated as null. Reported altitude FL600+, which if accurate (~65,000+ ft) would exceed typical aircraft and balloon operational ceilings and would be physically notable; however, this is an unconfirmed estimate. UAP signatures field: 'No'. No radar returns or RF data reported. Reference to 'prior sorties' suggests a pattern of similar sightings. Coordinates redacted; 'DATA MASKED' for UAP first seen location. 2-ship F-16CM; takeoff/landing OEPS (Prince Sultan AB). Report ID: MDR 25-0094.