Information emerged on 23/6 during an internal interview with a US F-15E fighter pilot whose aircraft was shot down in Iran two months ago, CNN reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The pilot described an encounter that occurred just before ejection, in which large Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) linked together and moved synchronously. Meanwhile, several smaller drones maneuvered below them like tentacles.

A US F-15E fighter jet patrols in the Middle East on 7/5. Photo: USAF

One source familiar with the interview described the Iranian UAV formation as "like a jellyfish," while others stated the F-15E pilot called it "a minefield of drones suspended in the air."

This information has sparked intense debate within the US intelligence community. If the F-15E pilot's description is accurate, it could indicate Iran has made significant advancements in networked UAV and drone control technology, allowing multiple devices to operate coordinately as a single entity.

Some US intelligence officials expressed skepticism regarding the reliability of the account. They noted the pilot likely suffered a brain concussion during the aircraft's downing and while awaiting rescue, potentially affecting his perception and memory. This was the pilot's second ejection in over one month, following an accidental shooting by Kuwaiti forces in early march.

The intelligence specialists conducting the interview also doubted the pilot's account, to the extent that one asked, "Are you sure you really saw what you're telling us?"

The US Air Force and Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, declined to comment on the information. The US National Intelligence Office did not respond to requests for comment.

A Shahed UAV flies over Kermanshah city, Iran, in 3/2024. Photo: AFP

Experts suggest that if such a UAV and drone formation truly exists, it would rely on mesh network technology. This technology enables a single operator to control many devices simultaneously. Devices within the network can also communicate directly with each other, ensuring continued operation even if part of the communication system is jammed or destroyed.

Russia and China reportedly possess similar capabilities. Some sources also indicate Iran may have received technological assistance from these two nations in recent years, though the extent of cooperation remains unclear.

Emma Bates, an expert in UAV warfare, believes the ability to coordinate multiple devices into a unified formation would pose a significant challenge to current defense methods.

"If suicide drone swarms are capable of forming formations and coordinating reserve forces for follow-up attacks, that would be a formidable capability. We would need to invest substantial resources, both financial and human, to defend against such coordinated drone swarms," she warned.

Thanh Danh (According to CNN, Aviationist, NY Post)