Aircrew Member Spots Bouncy Ball–Like Object Near Aircraft

A military aircraft was returning to base in Syria when an aircrew member spotted an object approaching from the south. It looked like a bouncy ball and moved toward the aircraft.

The object descended and passed near the aircraft without striking it, then remained in view for about seven minutes. It traveled at nearly 800 km/h, close to the speed of a passenger jet. The account appears in a U.S. military report released to the public in May 2026.

The Encounter on the Way Back

The incident took place in November 2023, while the aircraft was returning to base. The aircrew member reported that the object came from the south at roughly the same altitude as the aircraft.

It later descended and passed safely by the aircraft. No damage to the aircraft or effects on the crew were reported. The report says the object was not considered a threat to the aircraft or the public.

Seven Minutes in View

The aircrew member described the object as a bouncy ball. The report provides no further details about its appearance, such as its color or size. It says the object traveled at a steady speed of about 780 km/h for at least seven minutes.

The object moved away until it disappeared from view. The crew continued back to base. The report also says the object had no effect on the crew or equipment, and that no attempt was made to approach it or take action against it.

What Remains Unknown

The object’s identity and how it moved are unknown. The report does not explain how its speed or distance was calculated, and clarifies that the details are the reporting aircrew member’s estimates, not confirmed measurements. It offers no conventional explanation for what was seen.

The bouncy ball–like object passed near the aircraft, then disappeared. The aircraft continued on its way.