UFO Sighted Over South-Central France in 1953

Summary

In August 1953, two U.S. Air Force pilots reported observing a bright white object over South-Central France. The incident occurred while they were on a routine navigation training flight from Italy to England. Upon spotting a luminous object in the sky, they altered their course to get a closer look. They described it as spherical, with no contrail, and estimated it to be at an altitude of between 55,000 and 60,000 feet. Despite their maneuvers, the object showed no apparent horizontal movement, which generated curiosity and confusion.

The official evaluation concluded it was a balloon, although the pilots reported no abnormal weather conditions or other aircraft in the area. The report was classified for over a decade but can now be reviewed as part of declassified archives. Although there are no physical evidence or photographs, the pilots' testimony and detailed description of the event remain a mystery for many interested in unidentified aerial phenomena.