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

On the 23rd (local time), it was reported via sources that a U.S. F-15E pilot, who was shot down during the conflict with Iran, testified to seeing Iranian drones maneuvering in a jellyfish-like formation, moving as if they were a single entity.

CNN reported, citing four sources, that the pilot of the fighter jet, which was downed over Iranian airspace last April, provided this account to intelligence officials just before ejecting from the aircraft.

One source relayed the pilot's statement: "Multiple drones were connected and moved as one, with smaller drones hanging beneath a larger drone like tentacles," adding, "It truly looked like something extraterrestrial."

Another source noted that the pilot described the area as a "drone minefield" in the sky. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, the possibility that the Iranian drone formation played a role is being discussed.

The pilot's account has sparked intense debate within U.S. intelligence circles, with divided opinions on the reliability of the statement, given that the pilot had suffered a concussion during the crash.

If true, it would mean Iran has acquired drone operational capabilities unknown even to U.S. intelligence, though it is possible the technology is not yet fully developed or that the pilot saw a "mirage." One official reportedly questioned the pilot, asking, "Are you certain that what you say you saw is truly what you saw?"

Multiple sources analyzed that the pilot's account suggests the possible application of "one-to-many meshed networking" technology in Iran’s drone systems—a technology that allows a single operator to control multiple drones simultaneously.

As U.S. intelligence has not previously assessed that Iran possessed such technology, it is speculated that Russia or China may have provided assistance.

Emma Bates, an expert in drone warfare, explained to CNN, "If it can self-organize and maintain its shape, carry explosives, and reserve backup units to strike targets that the initial attack might have missed, it is a very formidable approach."

The F-15E shot down at the time was carrying a pilot and a weapon systems officer. It has not been confirmed whether the other officer witnessed the same phenomenon. It was also revealed that the pilot was a survivor of a friendly-fire incident that occurred in Kuwait in March. Effectively, he survived two shoot-downs within a single month.

After being shot down over Iranian airspace, the two ejected and landed in different locations. The pilot was rescued the same day, while the weapon systems officer was dramatically rescued two days later following an extensive search operation by U.S. forces.