Possible low-flying missile/UAP at ~500 KTS observed by P-8A — 55 NM NW of Latakia, Syria

On 18 November 2016, a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon operating in the Eastern Mediterranean observed an unidentified low-flying object approximately 55 NM northwest of Latakia, Syria. Detected via EO/IR sensor, the object appeared to be in sea-skimming mode traveling at approximately 500 KTS on a southeasterly heading outbound from the KCTG (Russian carrier task group). The P-8 tracked the contact for approximately 2 minutes before losing visual approximately 40 NM northwest of Latakia. The mission commander assessed the interaction as safe and the activity as consistent with Russian/KCTG operations, though origin could not be confirmed.

“"P-8 observed a possible missile launch IVO 1.4a from an origin unknown detected via the EO/IR sensor. The possible missile appeared to be in sea skim mode traveling at approximately 500KTS on a southeasterly heading outbound from KCTG." / "P-8 lost visual of the object IVO approx. 40 NM northwest of Latakia. The missile was observed to pass between (RUS) INGUL ARS and 1x U/I vessel."”

Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison, USCENTCOM Chief of Staff. Partial OCR corruption (e.g., '(°ell P'IEl!sto18/131 OZ'). The document hedges between 'unidentified low-flying object' and 'possible missile'; the mission commander assessed it as consistent with KCTG activity, making this potentially a Russian missile test/launch rather than anomalous UAP. Approximate coordinates derived from narrative description ('55 NM NW of Latakia' / '40 NM NW of Latakia'): centroid placed at ~36.58N, 35.28E (location_approx: true). Speed 500 KTS ~ 575 mph. Duration ~2 minutes = 120 seconds. Weather clear per aircrew report.