Iraq ISR UAP observation, 5 May 2022
2022-05-05 · Iraq
Summary
Two U.S. Air Force mission reports from Operation INHERENT RESOLVE record observations of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) over Iraq on 5 May 2022. Both were declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison, USCENTCOM Chief of Staff, and give the same speed, size and altitude statements.
The first, MISREP 7468013, was filed by the 196 ATKS under the 609th operations center. It records that at 2026Z the crew was scanning a point of interest near grid 38SMD38 and periodically observed UAPs flying sporadically within the target area. The report says the objects travelled at 80-180 mph according to the MTS, that the crew could not determine altitude, and that the size was about 1-2 meters. The observation form lists the method of observation as FMV and gives the observed activity description as "UAS". It also records the reporting aircraft at FL200 and 100 KIAS, 4.98 NM from the activity. The report states that the UAPs did not hinder the mission.
The second, MISREP 7467030, comes from a separate mission. Its narrative says that at 0524Z the crew observed probable UAPs traveling southwest at roughly 80-180 mph. The mission was planned target development with time on station from 0057Z to 1552Z on 5 May. The observation entry covers 0524Z to 0704Z. During that period the crew scanned various points of interest and reacquired the UAPs after returning the sensor to the original locations. The crew again reported the speed range, size of about 1-2 meters and no altitude determination. The weather section says that dust storms affected some collection on the UAPs between 0524Z and 0704Z. The report also says the crew observed no significant or nefarious activity related to its tasking.
Neither report names a cause. The 5 May observation form in MISREP 7468013 uses the label "UAS" in one field, while the narrative uses "UAPs". Both reports state that the objects did not hinder the mission.
What the files say
“ACCORDING TO THE [1.4a, 1.4g] MTS, THE UAPs WERE TRAVELLING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS BETWEEN 80-180 MPH. WE WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE ALTITUDE.”
Page 1 →“THE SIZE OF THE UAPs WERE APPROXIMATELY 1-2 METERS. THE UAPs DID NOT HINDER THE MISSION.”
Page 1 →“Observed Activity Description: UAS”
Page 6 →“AT 0524Z, [REDACTED] OBSERVED [REDACTED] PROB UAPS TRAVELING SW AT ROUGHLY 80-180 MPH.”
Page 1 →“DUE TO DUST STORMS SOME COLLECTION ON UAPS WAS AFFECTED BETWEEN 0524Z AND 0704Z.”
Page 5 →“DURING THE OBSERVATION PERIOD, [REDACTED] WOULD REACQUIRE THE UAPs AFTER RETURNING THE SENSOR BACK TO THE ORIGIONAL POI LOCATIONS.”
Page 6 →
Explanations in the record
What the documents themselves say the event was, as recorded. Not our assessment.
- The observation form of MISREP 7468013 gives the observed activity description as "UAS" (unmanned aerial system), while the narrative calls the objects UAPs. No identification is stated. — Iraq reconnaissance mission report, UAP sightings (2022), page 6
- MISREP 7467030 says dust storms affected some collection on the UAPs between 0524Z and 0704Z. It does not identify the objects. — Middle East UAP sighting: Air Force mission report (2022), page 5