Bouncy-ball-shaped UAP at ~424 kn — Syria theater, 2153Z 9 Nov 2023

During an ISR mission (Misrep 9381202) conducted under Operation INHERENT RESOLVE, a crew observed one probable UAP described as 'shaped as a bouncy ball' approaching from the south at near co-altitude while the aircraft was returning to base at 2153Z. The object descended to safely pass the aircraft while maintaining a consistent speed of approximately 424 knots for at least 7 minutes, then passed out of sensor range. No RF emissions were detected, no effects on crew or equipment were reported, and the observer assessed the object as benign. Kinetic altitude recorded at 170 (units not specified — likely feet AGL based on context). The document notes the object exhibited 'advanced capabilities' in the form of sustained constant speed over the observation window.

“"OBSERVED 1X PROB HC UAP SHAPED AS A BOUNCY BALL COME FROM THE SOUTH AT NEAR CO-ALT. OBSERVED THE PROB UAP DROP ALTITUDE AND SAFELY PASS THEIR AIRCRAFT WHILE CONSISTANTLY MAINTAINING ~424KN." "UAP ADVANCED CAPABILITIES AND/OR MATERIALS: YES, TRAVELED ~424KN CONSISTANTLY FOR AT LEAST 7MINS IN THE SHAPE OF A BOUNCY BALL."”

Mission report classified SECRET//NOFORN (USCENTCOM MDR 25-0072), declassification date 20481109, approved for release to AARO. UAP section is largely unredacted and provides good kinetic data. Shape description is unusual — 'bouncy ball' / spherical. Altitude of 170 may be in feet AGL or could be a partial coordinate entry; units are ambiguous. Speed of 424 kn converted to ~488 mph. Duration of 7 min = 420 seconds. First MGRS coordinate 37DST6907, last coordinate 37SFT2803 — these are in the Syria/Levant theater; centroid lat/lng used (location_approx: true). Observer assessed UAP propulsion as UNKNOWN; no intelligent control assessed. Aircraft location at time of observation: 37SET3409. Confidence 0.75 — good narrative detail but aircraft asset type, tail, and sensor returns redacted.