The US Pentagon has released a large collection of previously classified files related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), revealing decades of unexplained aerial sightings reported by astronauts, military personnel, intelligence officials and civilians.
The declassified archive, released following a directive from US President Donald Trump, includes more than 160 files comprising military videos, infrared imagery, FBI memos, NASA transcripts and eyewitness accounts spanning from the 1940s to 2026.
The documents contain records of mysterious aerial incidents reported across North America, the Middle East, the East China Sea, Africa and the Mediterranean region near Greece.
Several of the released files include military infrared footage showing unidentified objects moving at high speeds, changing direction abruptly and disappearing from tracking systems.
One reported object was seen making sharp 90-degree turns close to the ocean surface before vanishing from infrared optics sensors.
Military videos recorded in Iraq, Syria and the UAE also showed unexplained aerial objects moving erratically through the sky, according to the released material.
Among the documents are transcripts and images linked to Apollo Moon missions. In one 1969 debriefing, an astronaut reportedly described seeing a “fairly bright light source” near the Moon. Another account referred to flashes of light and particles “sailing off into space”, while Apollo 17 astronauts reportedly observed bright tumbling lights during their 1972 mission.
The files also include older FBI records containing witness descriptions of disk-shaped, egg-shaped and cigar-like flying objects hovering silently before accelerating away at high speed.
Some eyewitness accounts mentioned small humanoid figures described as being around four feet tall near unidentified craft, although officials stated these accounts remain unverified.
Another document referred to a glowing “eight-pointed star-shaped” object captured in military footage.
Despite the unusual claims and unexplained incidents, US officials clarified that the released material does not constitute proof of extraterrestrial life.
Authorities stated that many cases remain officially unresolved due to limited evidence, incomplete data or the possibility of alternative explanations such as weather conditions, drones, balloons or sensor distortions.
The documents have now been uploaded to a new public Pentagon portal dedicated to UAP disclosures, with additional releases expected in future phases.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the release was intended to increase public transparency following years of demands for disclosure surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena.
The release is expected to reignite global debate and public fascination around UFO sightings, military secrecy and the possibility of unexplained aerial activity that continues to puzzle investigators decades after many of the incidents were first reported.
