chunks: Declassified by MG Richard A. Harrison

USCENTCOM Chief of Staff

Declassified on: 20 March 2026



SECRET//REL TO USA, NATO

# 67.1 P-8A OBSERVES UNIDENTIFIED LOW-FLYING OBJECT 55 NM NORTHWEST OF LATAKIA, SYRIA



18 NOV 2016

BLUF: While monitoring KCTG activity in the Eastern Mediterranean, P-8A, observed an unidentified low-flying object 55 nm northwest of Latakia from an unknown origin, traveling at approx 500KTS on a southeasterly heading outbound from KCTG, for ~2 minutes.

## Timeline (Z):

- 1 (SIREL) 18/1310Z: 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 position was 26NM S of object detection at 16121 FT 1.4a

- 2 (CNRREL) 18/1312Z: - P-8 lost visual of the object IVO 1.4a approx. 40 NM northwest of Latakia. The missile was observed to pass between (RUS) INGUL ARS and 1x U/I vessel.

## Weather:

(U) P-8 aircrew characterized visibility as clear, no range limitations.

The image is not a chart. It is a thermal image showing:

*   A bright object labeled "(RUS) INGUL ARS".
*   A faint object labeled "U/I OBJ".
*   A faint object labeled "U/I VESSEL".
*   Crosshairs in the center of the image.
*   A red line at the top left, likely indicating a horizon or reference line.

The image depicts a flight path with several Russian naval vessels identified by their hull numbers and names, such as (RUS) UDALOY GD-619, (RUS) KUZNETSOV DV-063, and (RUS) KALININGRADNEFT AD. It also marks the location of a "KTG" at 1310Z, with associated data "1.4a". Another point labeled "2" is noted around 1312Z with similar data "1.4a". A US P-8A aircraft's location is also indicated at 1310Z with data "1.4a". The distance of 26 NM is marked. Two inset images show aerial views with red lines, possibly indicating observed missile activity.

CTG 67.1 Comments: The mission commander for P-8 characterized the interaction as safe. While this was the first observed occurrence of possible missile activity by P-8 aircraft in the Eastern Mediterranean it is assessed to be standard activity consistent with the assessed activity of the KCTG. Video footage can be found at this link: 
(b)(6)

SECRET//REL TO USA, NATO

USCENTCOM MDR 26-0038 to MDR 26-0046

Approved for Release to AARO

03/27/26 000001