'Drone Swarm Flight Demonstration' [Provided by Ministry of Science and ICT = Yonhap News]

Testimony has emerged from sources on the 23rd (local time) that a U.S. Air Force F-15E pilot, whose aircraft was shot down during a conflict with Iran, witnessed Iranian drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) forming a formation resembling jellyfish and moving as one body.

CNN reported that four sources indicated that intelligence officials stated the pilot of the fighter jet, which was shot down over Iranian airspace in April, saw such a scene just before ejecting.

One source relayed the pilot's statement, saying, "Multiple drones were connected to each other, moving as if they were one, and smaller drones were attached below larger drones like legs," adding, "It truly looked like an alien artifact."

Another source stated that the pilot described it as like a "drone minefield" in the air. While the cause of the downing is still under investigation, it is speculated that Iran's drone formations may have played some role.

The pilot's testimony has sparked heated debate among U.S. intelligence agencies, with divided opinions on how much credence to give to his account, given that he sustained a concussion during the crash.

If true, it would mean Iran has acquired drone operational capabilities unknown to U.S. intelligence. However, it may not be a fully developed capability yet, and he might have seen a "mirage." One official reportedly pressed him, asking, "Are you absolutely sure you saw what you claim to have seen?"

Multiple sources analyzed that the pilot's testimony suggests the possibility that Iran's drone system incorporates "one-to-many meshed networking" technology, which allows a single operator to simultaneously control multiple drones.

As there have been no U.S. intelligence assessments to date indicating Iran possesses this technology, speculation is possible that Russia or China, which possess such technology, may have provided assistance.

Emma Bates, a drone warfare expert, explained to CNN, "If they can organize and maintain their formation autonomously, carry explosives, and leave reserves to attack targets if the initial attack fails, it's a very powerful approach."

The F-15E shot down at the time was carrying a pilot and a weapons system officer. It has not been confirmed whether another officer witnessed this. The pilot was revealed to have been a survivor of a friendly fire incident in Kuwait in March. He survived two shootdowns in the span of a month.

After being shot down over Iranian airspace, they ejected and landed in separate locations. The pilot was rescued the same day, and the weapons system officer was dramatically rescued two days later after an extensive search operation by U.S. forces.