Declassified documents have come to light, revealing that a U.S. military aircraft was once hit by an unidentified flying object, sparking interest and raising questions. Experts are increasingly pointing to a series of other puzzling sightings that hint at advanced technology operating within U.S. airspace.

This particular event took place in January 2023 when an unidentified object hit the left side of an F-16 Viper jet during a training exercise near Gila Bend, Arizona, as confirmed by an Air Force spokesperson to Fox News Digital.

The object collided with the aircraft’s transparent “canopy” and was first detected by an instructor pilot positioned in the rear seat of the plane. An initial probe revealed that there was no damage sustained by the nearly $70 million jet, and officials dismissed the possibility of a bird strike.

Fox also attributes overall public skepticism regarding UAPs to the U.S. government remaining tight-lipped about its findings over the years. However, officials have continued to work toward transparency with the American public, with a congressional hearing on UFOs occurring for the first time in decades in 2022 and continuing to take place on the floors of Congress. 

“The primary reason for secrecy is that it’s difficult for any governing body to admit that there are structured craft of unknown origin whizzing around with impunity,” Fox said. “They fly rings around our fastest jets, and [the government] doesn’t know who they are, where they come from or what they want.”