The U.S. Air Force F-15 pilot who was shot down over Iran this past April stated that, just before ejecting, he witnessed several Iranian drones moving in a large, jellyfish-like formation.

CNN reported, citing four sources familiar with the matter, that the pilot provided this account of the drones' appearance during an intelligence investigation after being rescued.

The pilot testified, "Multiple drones were connected to each other, moving as if they were one entity, with smaller drones attached underneath the larger one like legs," adding, "It looked like something truly alien."

Another source stated that the pilot described the scene as an "aerial minefield."

CNN noted that if the testimony is accurate, it suggests Iran may possess highly advanced drone operational capabilities that were previously unknown to U.S. intelligence.

U.S. intelligence officials are reportedly focusing on the fact that the drones were not merely flying simultaneously, but were moving while maintaining a specific formation.

Sources explained that the drone operation method described by the pilot could be related to "one-to-many mesh networking" technology, which allows a single operator to control multiple drones at once.

Emma Bates, founder of Katchi and an expert in military drones, told CNN, "If these drones can autonomously adjust their formation, maintain that shape, carry explosives, and still have reserve power, it is a highly threatening tactic."

However, CNN also reported that there is a possibility the pilot may have misidentified the drones, noting that he suffered a concussion during the crash and was also reportedly on board an aircraft that was shot down by friendly fire from Kuwaiti forces during the early stages of the war with Iran.

The exact cause of the F-15's downing is still under investigation, but initial reports reportedly include the possibility that this drone formation played a role in the fighter jet's destruction.

Reported by Lee Ho-geon | Video by Jung Yong-hee | Graphics by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News