DISCLOSURE / FILE
A Department of War release describing an infrared video of unidentified aerial phenomena that AARO assesses was likely captured by a U.S. military fifth-generation aircraft over NORTHCOM in 2023.
DOW-UAP-PR068, "IIR 1 666 S0151 23/Video Footage of Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) captured by fifth generation aircraft on 20 Jan 23"
A Department of War release describing an infrared video of unidentified aerial phenomena that AARO assesses was likely captured by a U.S. military fifth-generation aircraft over NORTHCOM in 2023.
On March 6, 2026, eight members of the U.S. House of Representatives requested access to 51 potentially UAP-related records held by the Department of War and the Intelligence Community, and AARO identified responsive materials on a classified network, many lacking a substantiated chain-of-custody. AARO assesses that this 63-second video, titled "IIR 1 666 S0151 23/Video Footage of Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) captured by fifth generation aircraft on 20 Jan 23," is likely derived from an infrared sensor aboard a U.S. military platform operating in the United States Northern Command area of responsibility in 2023. A user uploaded the video to a classified network in July 2023. The release describes a sensor tracking an area of contrast near frame center for the first 31 seconds, the contrast moving in and out of the field-of-view as the sensor pans, and a second area of contrast appearing in the upper right at the 48-second mark.