Cuba: MiG-21 Destroyed During UFO Interception

Incident Overview On a day in March 1967, Cuban air defense radar detected an unidentified contact approaching from the northeast at approximately 660 mph and 33,000 feet altitude. The object entered Cuban airspace without responding to radio contact attempts.

Military Response Two MiG-21 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the target. Ground control radar guided the aircraft to within three miles of the object. The flight leader reported observing a bright metallic sphere with no visible markings or appendages.

Critical Event When radio contact failed, Cuban air defense headquarters ordered the flight leader to arm weapons and destroy the object. The pilot confirmed his radar was locked and missiles were armed. Seconds later, the wingman reported the flight leader's MiG-21 had disintegrated with no smoke or flame observed.

Intelligence Response The US 6947th Security Squadron at Homestead Air Force Base in Miami-Dade County, Florida intercepted communications and reported the incident to the NSA at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. The NSA ordered all recordings and data shipped to their facility and directed the aircraft loss be classified as "equipment malfunction."