159 of 159 ENCOUNTERS
Civilian testimony, journalism, foreign records, and disclosure-adjacent cases. Each card stays outside the official disclosure tier and carries its source posture.
- foreign government recordCanada2013-03-31Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Stephenville Newfoundland Pilot Reports
On March 31, 2013, four commercial crews at FL350 reported a rapidly descending, light-emitting object near Stephenville, Newfoundland, while a separate Jazz Air crew described an object that appeared to impact near the area.
On March 31, 2013, four commercial crews at FL350 reported a rapidly descending, light-emitting object near Stephenville, Newfoundland, while a separate Jazz Air crew described an object that appeared to impact near the area.
viewer available2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States2004-11-14Pacific Ocean off Southern California
Nimitz Tic Tac Encounter
On November 14, 2004, Commander David Fravor and Lieutenant Commander Alex Dietrich of the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group visually observed a 40-foot white object shaped like a Tic Tac candy hovering above a churning patch of ocean southwest of San Diego; the USS Princeton's Aegis radar had been tracking objects descending 80,000 feet in under a second for days prior.
On November 14, 2004, Commander David Fravor and Lieutenant Commander Alex Dietrich of the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group visually observed a 40-foot white object shaped like a Tic Tac candy hovering above a churning patch of ocean southwest of San Diego; the USS Princeton's Aegis radar had been tracking objects descending 80,000 feet in under a second for days prior.
article source3 sourcesconfirmed - foreign government recordCanada2010-01-01Canada
Canadian CIRVIS UAP Logs
Canadian CIRVIS shift logs released through ATIA record 2010-2019 UAP reports routed from NAV CANADA to CADS, CANR, and Transport Canada, with civilian researcher Chris Rutkowski appearing as a named fax recipient in the logs.
Canadian CIRVIS shift logs released through ATIA record 2010-2019 UAP reports routed from NAV CANADA to CADS, CANR, and Transport Canada, with civilian researcher Chris Rutkowski appearing as a named fax recipient in the logs.
viewer available3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited Kingdom1980-12-26Rendlesham Forest, Suffolk, England
Rendlesham Forest Incident
Over three nights in December 1980, USAF personnel at RAF Woodbridge, Suffolk, encountered a structured craft in Rendlesham Forest. Deputy base commander Lt. Col. Charles Halt documented the events in a memo to the UK Ministry of Defence and captured audio of a second encounter on microcassette.
Over three nights in December 1980, USAF personnel at RAF Woodbridge, Suffolk, encountered a structured craft in Rendlesham Forest.
html source3 sourcesconfirmed - foreign government recordUnited Kingdom1992-01-01Bonnybridge / Falkirk Triangle, Scotland
Bonnybridge Triangle
From 1992 through the late 1990s, Bonnybridge and the wider Falkirk Triangle in Scotland became a sustained UFO-reporting hotspot, with local councillor Billy Buchanan pressing UK officials for an inquiry.
From 1992 through the late 1990s, Bonnybridge and the wider Falkirk Triangle in Scotland became a sustained UFO-reporting hotspot, with local councillor Billy Buchanan pressing UK officials for an inquiry.
viewer available3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1997-03-13Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix Lights
On March 13, 1997, thousands of Arizona and Nevada residents observed two separate events over Phoenix: a silent V-shaped formation of lights traversing the state at low altitude, and a stationary arc of brilliantly lit objects visible for 106 minutes; then-Governor Fife Symington mocked witnesses publicly but stated in 2007 that he personally witnessed 'something otherworldly.'
On March 13, 1997, thousands of Arizona and Nevada residents observed two separate events over Phoenix: a silent V-shaped formation of lights traversing the state at low altitude, and a stationary arc of brilliantly lit objects visible for 106 minutes; then-Governor Fife Symington mocked witnesses publicly but stated in 2007 that he personally witnessed 'something otherworldly.'
article source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimContinental Europe1990-03-30Thorembais-Gembloux, Belgium
Belgian F-16 Radar Chase
On March 30-31, 1990, the Belgian Air Force scrambled two F-16s from Beauvechain to intercept an unidentified radar return tracked by NATO ground stations. Chief of Operations General Wilfried De Brouwer publicly released the radar data at a NATO headquarters press conference on July 11, 1990.
On March 30-31, 1990, the Belgian Air Force scrambled two F-16s from Beauvechain to intercept an unidentified radar return tracked by NATO ground stations.
viewer available2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1947-06-24Mount Rainier, Washington
Kenneth Arnold Sighting
On June 24, 1947, private pilot Kenneth Arnold reported nine crescent-shaped objects flying at roughly 1,200 mph near Mount Rainier, Washington, a credible sighting that introduced the term 'flying saucer' into public discourse and triggered the first formal USAF investigation program.
On June 24, 1947, private pilot Kenneth Arnold reported nine crescent-shaped objects flying at roughly 1,200 mph near Mount Rainier, Washington, a credible sighting that introduced the term 'flying saucer' into public discourse and triggered the first formal USAF investigation program.
catalogue source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited Kingdom1979-11-09Dechmont Law, Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland
Robert Taylor Dechmont Encounter
On November 9, 1979, forestry worker Robert Taylor reported encountering a large dome-shaped craft on Dechmont Law, Livingston, Scotland. Two spiked spheres emerged from it, attached to his legs, tore his trousers, and dragged him toward the object before he lost consciousness. Lothian and Borders Police opened a criminal investigation, the only recorded UFO encounter treated as a criminal assault in UK history.
On November 9, 1979, forestry worker Robert Taylor reported encountering a large dome-shaped craft on Dechmont Law, Livingston, Scotland.
viewer available3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1942-02-25Los Angeles, California
Battle of Los Angeles
On February 24–25, 1942, the U.S. Army fired more than 1,400 anti-aircraft shells over Los Angeles after radar operators and ground observers reported unidentified objects; five civilians died in the chaos, and no enemy aircraft or debris was ever recovered.
On February 24–25, 1942, the U.S. Army fired more than 1,400 anti-aircraft shells over Los Angeles after radar operators and ground observers reported unidentified objects; five civilians died in the chaos, and no enemy aircraft or debris was ever recovered.
article source2 sourcesconfirmed - foreign government recordUnited Kingdom1977-02-04Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Broad Haven School Sighting
On February 4, 1977, schoolchildren at Broad Haven Primary School in Pembrokeshire reported a yellow cigar-shaped object and a silver-suited figure near the school. The wider Dyfed or Broad Haven Triangle wave entered UK Ministry of Defence files.
On February 4, 1977, schoolchildren at Broad Haven Primary School in Pembrokeshire reported a yellow cigar-shaped object and a silver-suited figure near the school.
viewer available2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1961-09-19Franconia Notch, New Hampshire
Betty and Barney Hill Case
On September 19-20, 1961, Betty and Barney Hill reported a close encounter and missing-time episode while driving through New Hampshire's White Mountains. The University of New Hampshire now preserves the Betty and Barney Hill Papers.
On September 19-20, 1961, Betty and Barney Hill reported a close encounter and missing-time episode while driving through New Hampshire's White Mountains.
html source2 sourcesunconfirmed - civilian claimMiddle East / Asia1976-09-19Tehran, Iran
Tehran 1976 Incident
On September 19, 1976, two Imperial Iranian Air Force F-4 Phantom jets scrambled to intercept a luminous object over Tehran. Both aircraft suffered complete electronics and weapons failures at close range; a declassified Defense Intelligence Agency cable rated it an 'outstanding' case and circulated findings to the White House, Joint Chiefs, NSA, and CIA.
On September 19, 1976, two Imperial Iranian Air Force F-4 Phantom jets scrambled to intercept a luminous object over Tehran.
viewer available3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1975-11-05Snowflake, Arizona
Travis Walton Case
On November 5, 1975, six members of a logging crew in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests near Snowflake, Arizona, reported watching Travis Walton approach a hovering object and be knocked down by a beam of light; five of the six crew members passed law-enforcement polygraph examinations about what they witnessed, and Walton reappeared five days later.
On November 5, 1975, six members of a logging crew in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests near Snowflake, Arizona, reported watching Travis Walton approach a hovering object and be knocked down by a beam of light; five of the six crew members passed law-enforcement polygraph examinations about what they witnessed, and Walton reappeared five days later.
html source2 sourcesunconfirmed - foreign government recordCanada1967-05-20Falcon Lake, Manitoba, Canada
Falcon Lake Incident
On May 20, 1967, Stefan Michalak reported a close encounter at Falcon Lake, Manitoba. RCMP, RCAF, DND, and Department of Health investigators collected site samples that government laboratories found radioactive, with no definitive conventional explanation established.
On May 20, 1967, Stefan Michalak reported a close encounter at Falcon Lake, Manitoba.
viewer available2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimLatin America1996-01-20Varginha, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Varginha Case
On January 20, 1996, three young women in Varginha, Minas Gerais, encountered a crouching creature with red eyes and a large domed head in a vacant lot. Within hours, military police and firefighters moved through the city; multiple witnesses reported seeing beings transported under military guard to local hospitals. Military police officer Marco Eli Chereze died twenty-six days later under disputed circumstances.
On January 20, 1996, three young women in Varginha, Minas Gerais, encountered a crouching creature with red eyes and a large domed head in a vacant lot.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed - foreign government recordCanada1965-06-30Northern Saskatchewan, Canada
Northern Saskatchewan Pilot Report
On June 30, 1965, a La Ronge Aviation commercial pilot reported a circular or oblong silver-white object following his Cessna 180 for close to 100 miles over northern Saskatchewan, with a separate ground witness near La Ronge reporting a similar wingless object that same day.
On June 30, 1965, a La Ronge Aviation commercial pilot reported a circular or oblong silver-white object following his Cessna 180 for close to 100 miles over northern Saskatchewan, with a separate ground witness near La Ronge reporting a similar wingless object that same day.
viewer available3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1986-11-17Interior Alaska
JAL Flight 1628
On November 17, 1986, Japan Air Lines Cargo Flight 1628 crew reported that two small craft and then a massive walnut-shaped object shadowed their Boeing 747 for approximately 50 minutes over Alaska; FAA Division Chief John Callahan later testified that CIA officers attended the classified debrief and instructed participants the meeting had never occurred.
On November 17, 1986, Japan Air Lines Cargo Flight 1628 crew reported that two small craft and then a massive walnut-shaped object shadowed their Boeing 747 for approximately 50 minutes over Alaska; FAA Division Chief John Callahan later testified that CIA officers attended the classified debrief and instructed participants the meeting had never occurred.
catalogue source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1964-04-24Socorro, New Mexico
Socorro Zamora Landing
On April 24, 1964, Socorro, New Mexico police officer Lonnie Zamora reported a landed oval craft, two small figures, a roar, and blue-orange flame before the object departed. Project Blue Book investigated the case and left it unidentified.
On April 24, 1964, Socorro, New Mexico police officer Lonnie Zamora reported a landed oval craft, two small figures, a roar, and blue-orange flame before the object departed.
viewer available2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States2006-11-07Chicago, Illinois
O'Hare Airport Saucer
On November 7, 2006, at least twelve United Airlines employees, including pilots, mechanics, and supervisors, observed a silent, dark metallic disc hovering above Gate C-17 at O'Hare International Airport for approximately five minutes before it shot upward through solid cloud cover, leaving a circular hole that closed behind it.
On November 7, 2006, at least twelve United Airlines employees, including pilots, mechanics, and supervisors, observed a silent, dark metallic disc hovering above Gate C-17 at O'Hare International Airport for approximately five minutes before it shot upward through solid cloud cover, leaving a circular hole that closed behind it.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1952-07-02Tremonton, Utah
Tremonton Film
On July 2, 1952, Navy photographer Delbert Newhouse filmed bright objects near Tremonton, Utah. The CIA's Robertson Panel later reviewed the Navy Photo Interpretation Laboratory's work and rejected its self-luminous-object reading.
On July 2, 1952, Navy photographer Delbert Newhouse filmed bright objects near Tremonton, Utah.
viewer available2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1973-10-11Pascagoula, Mississippi
Pascagoula Abduction Claim
On October 11, 1973, Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker reported that three creatures emerged from an oval craft on the Pascagoula River, Mississippi, and subjected them to a physical examination; officers who secretly recorded the men after their report found their story remained consistent when they believed they were unobserved.
On October 11, 1973, Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker reported that three creatures emerged from an oval craft on the Pascagoula River, Mississippi, and subjected them to a physical examination; officers who secretly recorded the men after their report found their story remained consistent when they believed they were unobserved.
article source2 sourcesunconfirmed - foreign government recordCanada1950-12-01Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Project Magnet
Canada's Department of Transport established Project Magnet in December 1950 inside its Radio Regulations Engineering Division, making a civilian radio-engineering office one of the earliest government homes for a sustained flying-disc study.
Canada's Department of Transport established Project Magnet in December 1950 inside its Radio Regulations Engineering Division, making a civilian radio-engineering office one of the earliest government homes for a sustained flying-disc study.
viewer available2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimLatin America1977-10-20Colares, Pará, Brazil
Operação Prato
Between August and December 1977, the Brazilian Air Force secretly deployed a six-man team to Colares, Pará, after hundreds of fishing-community residents reported beam-emitting lights that left radiation-like burns and puncture wounds. Captain Uyrangê Hollanda's Operação Prato produced more than 500 photographs and 16 hours of film, then was immediately classified.
Between August and December 1977, the Brazilian Air Force secretly deployed a six-man team to Colares, Pará, after hundreds of fishing-community residents reported beam-emitting lights that left radiation-like burns and puncture wounds.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1948-12-01Northern New Mexico, United States
Green Fireballs and Project Twinkle
From 1948 through 1951, scientists, pilots, OSI agents, and Los Alamos personnel reported recurring green fireballs over New Mexico weapons sites. Project Twinkle deployed optical and radio instruments but closed without a conclusive identification.
From 1948 through 1951, scientists, pilots, OSI agents, and Los Alamos personnel reported recurring green fireballs over New Mexico weapons sites.
viewer available2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited Kingdom1990-08-04Calvine, Perthshire, Scotland
Calvine Photograph
In August 1990, two hillwalkers near Calvine, Perthshire, Scotland, photographed a large diamond-shaped object hovering silently before ascending vertically. The MoD obtained the negatives, classified them, and suppressed the story for over thirty years. In 2022, researcher David Clarke located the last surviving print held by a retired RAF press officer and donated it to Sheffield Hallam University.
In August 1990, two hillwalkers near Calvine, Perthshire, Scotland, photographed a large diamond-shaped object hovering silently before ascending vertically.
article source3 sourcesunconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1947-06-21Tacoma / Maury Island, Washington
Maury Island Incident
In June and July 1947, Harold Dahl and Fred Crisman claimed that disc-shaped craft near Maury Island, Washington dropped metallic fragments onto Dahl's boat. FBI and Army Intelligence records treated the fragments as likely slag and the story as a probable hoax.
In June and July 1947, Harold Dahl and Fred Crisman claimed that disc-shaped craft near Maury Island, Washington dropped metallic fragments onto Dahl's boat.
viewer available2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimAfrica1994-09-16Ruwa, Zimbabwe
Ariel School Encounter
On September 16, 1994, around 60 children at Ariel School near Ruwa, Zimbabwe reported seeing a craft and small figures in bushland near the school playground. A BBC crew and later Harvard psychiatrist John Mack interviewed witnesses.
On September 16, 1994, around 60 children at Ariel School near Ruwa, Zimbabwe reported seeing a craft and small figures in bushland near the school playground.
article source2 sourcesunconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1947-07-08Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell Incident
In July 1947, the Roswell Army Air Field public affairs office issued a press release announcing recovery of a 'flying disc' from a ranch near Roswell, New Mexico; the statement was retracted within hours in favor of a weather balloon explanation, and a 1995 GAO audit found that outgoing Roswell base message traffic from the period had been destroyed.
In July 1947, the Roswell Army Air Field public affairs office issued a press release announcing recovery of a 'flying disc' from a ranch near Roswell, New Mexico; the statement was retracted within hours in favor of a weather balloon explanation, and a 1995 GAO audit found that outgoing Roswell base message traffic from the period had been destroyed.
viewer available3 sourcesconfirmed - foreign government recordCanada1967-10-04Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada
Shag Harbour Incident
On October 4, 1967, a reported object entering the water near Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia produced RCMP and military records now indexed in Library and Archives Canada's public UFO collection.
On October 4, 1967, a reported object entering the water near Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia produced RCMP and military records now indexed in Library and Archives Canada's public UFO collection.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1944-11-01European Theater over Germany
Foo Fighters
In 1944 and 1945, Allied night-fighter crews over Germany reported small luminous objects pacing aircraft, maneuvering near wings, and disappearing at speed. SHAEF memoranda used the term 'foofighters' for the reports.
In 1944 and 1945, Allied night-fighter crews over Germany reported small luminous objects pacing aircraft, maneuvering near wings, and disappearing at speed.
viewer available1 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimOceania1978-12-21Kaikoura ranges, South Island, New Zealand
Kaikoura Lights
On December 21 and 30–31, 1978, pilots and a Channel 0 television crew filmed luminous objects tracking their cargo aircraft above New Zealand's Kaikoura ranges. Wellington air traffic control tracked unidentified radar targets simultaneously, and the RNZAF, DSIR, and Carter Observatory launched a formal investigation.
On December 21 and 30–31, 1978, pilots and a Channel 0 television crew filmed luminous objects tracking their cargo aircraft above New Zealand's Kaikoura ranges.
html source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimMiddle East / Asia2023Japan (nationwide airspace)
JASDF UAP Scrambles
In fiscal year 2022–2023, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighters against unidentified aerial phenomena 53 times, more than quadruple the prior year's total and the highest figure since JASDF record-keeping began. In September 2020, Defense Minister Taro Kono had already issued standing orders requiring SDF personnel to photograph and document any unidentified object and to immediately halt training exercises if one is encountered.
In fiscal year 2022–2023, Japan's Air Self-Defense Force scrambled fighters against unidentified aerial phenomena 53 times, more than quadruple the prior year's total and the highest figure since JASDF record-keeping began.
article source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimMiddle East / Asia2023Japan
Japan UAP Hotspot Designation
In August 2023, the U.S. Defense Department's new UAP transparency website formally designated Japan as a global hotspot for unidentified aerial phenomena, based on trend analysis of sightings logged between 1996 and 2023. Japan's parliament responded by forming an 80-member bipartisan research group in 2024, including former defense ministers, to lead the country's first systematic institutional investigation.
In August 2023, the U.S. Defense Department's new UAP transparency website formally designated Japan as a global hotspot for unidentified aerial phenomena, based on trend analysis of sightings logged between 1996 and 2023.
article source3 sourcesconfirmed - foreign government recordMiddle East / Asia2020-09-14Ministry of Defense, Tokyo, Japan
Japan MOD UAP Protocol
On September 14, 2020, Japanese Defence Minister Tarō Kōno announced that the Japan Self-Defence Forces had adopted a formal protocol requiring SDF pilots to photograph, record, and report any encounter with unidentified aerial phenomena. The directive was Japan's first standing order on UAP encounters and was modelled in part on the U.S. Navy's 2019 reporting guidelines.
On September 14, 2020, Japanese Defence Minister Tarō Kōno announced that the Japan Self-Defence Forces had adopted a formal protocol requiring SDF pilots to photograph, record, and report any encounter with unidentified aerial phenomena.
article source2 sourcesconfirmed - foreign government recordContinental Europe2018-11-09Off the southwest coast of Ireland (Shannon ATC airspace)
Ireland 2018 Pilot Reports
On November 9, 2018, commercial pilots flying for British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and a Norwegian carrier reported very bright, fast-moving objects passing their aircraft off the southwest coast of Ireland. Shannon Air Traffic Control confirmed nothing showed on military radar, and the Irish Aviation Authority opened a formal investigation under its confidential occurrence reporting process.
On November 9, 2018, commercial pilots flying for British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and a Norwegian carrier reported very bright, fast-moving objects passing their aircraft off the southwest coast of Ireland.
article source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States2015Atlantic Ocean off U.S. East Coast
GIMBAL and GOFAST Encounters
In January and February 2015, Navy F/A-18 pilots attached to the USS Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group operating off the U.S. East Coast recorded two FLIR videos, Gimbal and GoFast, showing objects exhibiting no visible propulsion or control surfaces; one object rotated against the wind while the other tracked at low altitude over ocean at speeds the pilots could not explain.
In January and February 2015, Navy F/A-18 pilots attached to the USS Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group operating off the U.S. East Coast recorded two FLIR videos, Gimbal and GoFast, showing objects exhibiting no visible propulsion or control surfaces; one object rotated against the wind while the other tracked at low altitude over ocean at speeds the pilots could not explain.
catalogue source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimLatin America2014-11-11Coastal Chile, west of Santiago
Chilean Navy FLIR Video
On November 11, 2014, two Chilean Navy officers in an Airbus Cougar AS-532 helicopter filmed an unidentified object for nine minutes using a Wescam MX-15 HD infrared camera west of Santiago. The object was invisible to the naked eye and emitted two separate thermal plumes. Neither on-board radar nor two ground radar stations detected it. CEFAA's two-year investigation concluded unanimously: cause unknown.
On November 11, 2014, two Chilean Navy officers in an Airbus Cougar AS-532 helicopter filmed an unidentified object for nine minutes using a Wescam MX-15 HD infrared camera west of Santiago.
article source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimLatin America2013-04-01Collahuasi, Atacama, Chile
Collahuasi Mine Object
In April 2013, four technicians at the remote Collahuasi copper mine in Chile's Atacama highlands, at over 14,000 feet elevation, observed a brilliant disc-shaped object approach slowly, hover for more than an hour, then depart eastward. One technician photographed it with a Samsung S860 camera. CEFAA's subsequent analysis ruled out meteorological phenomena, aircraft, weather balloons, and drones.
In April 2013, four technicians at the remote Collahuasi copper mine in Chile's Atacama highlands, at over 14,000 feet elevation, observed a brilliant disc-shaped object approach slowly, hover for more than an hour, then depart eastward.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed - foreign government recordLatin America2013-10-23Fuerza Aérea del Perú HQ, Lima, Peru
Peru DIFAA Relaunch
On October 23, 2013, the Peruvian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea del Perú) relaunched its Department of Investigation of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena under the new acronym DIFAA, after the original OIFAA office created in 2001 had gone dormant for several years. The department's mandate was framed by its leadership as grounded in the Peruvian Constitution's assignment of sovereign aerospace responsibility to the FAP.
On October 23, 2013, the Peruvian Air Force (Fuerza Aérea del Perú) relaunched its Department of Investigation of Anomalous Aerial Phenomena under the new acronym DIFAA, after the original OIFAA office created in 2001 had gone dormant for several years.
article source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States2013-04-25Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Aguadilla UAP Video
On April 25, 2013, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft departing Aguadilla Airport in Puerto Rico captured infrared video of a small object flying at low altitude, passing through restricted airspace, appearing to enter the ocean, and then re-emerging, behavior analyzed in a 165-page report by the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies that concluded the object's performance exceeded known aerial systems.
On April 25, 2013, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft departing Aguadilla Airport in Puerto Rico captured infrared video of a small object flying at low altitude, passing through restricted airspace, appearing to enter the ocean, and then re-emerging, behavior analyzed in a 165-page report by the Scientific Coalition for UAP Studies that concluded the object's performance exceeded known aerial systems.
catalogue source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimMiddle East / Asia2012Pangong Lake, Ladakh, India
Ladakh UAP Reports
Between August and October 2012, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police unit near Pangong Lake, Ladakh, logged over 100 sightings of luminous yellowish spheres rising from the Chinese side of the line and traversing the sky for three to five hours. A mobile radar unit and spectrum analyzer deployed to the site detected no metallic signature and no electromagnetic emissions. Indian astronomical observers confirmed the objects were 'non-celestial.'
Between August and October 2012, an Indo-Tibetan Border Police unit near Pangong Lake, Ladakh, logged over 100 sightings of luminous yellowish spheres rising from the Chinese side of the line and traversing the sky for three to five hours.
html source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimLatin America2011Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina CEFAe Launch
In May 2011, Argentina's Air Force officially launched the Commission for the Investigation of Aerospace Phenomena (CEFAe), headquartered at FAA headquarters in Buenos Aires. Its first public report, released in 2015, analyzed multiple documented cases from Argentine airspace. Argentina thereby joined Chile, Uruguay, Peru, and Brazil as Latin American nations with active, institutionalized military UFO investigation bodies.
In May 2011, Argentina's Air Force officially launched the Commission for the Investigation of Aerospace Phenomena (CEFAe), headquartered at FAA headquarters in Buenos Aires.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimMiddle East / Asia2010-07-07Hangzhou, China
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport Closure
On July 7, 2010, an unidentified aerial object forced Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to halt all departures; 18 flights were grounded or diverted to Ningbo and Wuxi. A flight crew first detected the object at 8:40 p.m. during approach. Chinese authorities concluded it 'may have been an aircraft, possibly military,' but never issued a definitive identification.
On July 7, 2010, an unidentified aerial object forced Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to halt all departures; 18 flights were grounded or diverted to Ningbo and Wuxi.
html source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimLatin America2010-11-05Santiago, Chile
El Bosque Airshow Object
At an air show over El Bosque Air Force Base in Santiago on November 5, 2010, an object moving too fast to be seen by spectators or pilots passed near three separate jet formations. Halcones, F-5s, and F-16s. Seven video recordings from different angles captured it. CEFAA photogrammetric analysis by Air Force and Army technicians estimated its velocity at 4,000 to 6,000 miles per hour.
At an air show over El Bosque Air Force Base in Santiago on November 5, 2010, an object moving too fast to be seen by spectators or pilots passed near three separate jet formations.
article source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimLatin America2009Brasília, Brazil
Brazil 2009 UFO Declassification
In 2009, Brazil became the first country to institutionalize ongoing military UFO disclosure, releasing over 2,200 pages of formerly classified documents to the Arquivo Nacional and issuing Ordinance 551/GC3 requiring all armed forces branches to forward UAP reports to the national archive annually. The files span 1952 to 2015 and include radar data, photographs, and pilot reports from the FAB's SIOANI investigation system.
In 2009, Brazil became the first country to institutionalize ongoing military UFO disclosure, releasing over 2,200 pages of formerly classified documents to the Arquivo Nacional and issuing Ordinance 551/GC3 requiring all armed forces branches to forward UAP reports to the national archive annually.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited Kingdom2008The National Archives, Kew, London, England
UK National Archives UFO Files
Between 2008 and 2013 the UK Ministry of Defence transferred nearly 60,000 pages of UFO investigation files to the National Archives, making them freely downloadable. The releases covered every recorded sighting from 1953 to 2009, more than 12,000 reports, and included the complete case files for Rendlesham, Cosford, and West Freugh. The MoD formally closed its UFO desk in November 2009.
Between 2008 and 2013 the UK Ministry of Defence transferred nearly 60,000 pages of UFO investigation files to the National Archives, making them freely downloadable.
html source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States2008-01-08Stephenville, Texas
Stephenville Lights
On January 8, 2008, hundreds of witnesses near Stephenville, Texas, observed a large silent object traveling at high speed toward the Crawford Ranch; MUFON obtained FAA radar data via FOIA showing an unidentified target moving at up to 532 mph with no transponder signal, performing maneuvers inconsistent with any known conventional aircraft.
On January 8, 2008, hundreds of witnesses near Stephenville, Texas, observed a large silent object traveling at high speed toward the Crawford Ranch; MUFON obtained FAA radar data via FOIA showing an unidentified target moving at up to 532 mph with no transponder signal, performing maneuvers inconsistent with any known conventional aircraft.
catalogue source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited Kingdom2007-04-23Channel Islands / Alderney airspace
Alderney Pilot Sighting
On April 23, 2007, Aurigny Airlines captain Ray Bowyer, en route from Southampton to Alderney over the Channel Islands, observed two stationary bright yellow objects stretching what he estimated at roughly a mile in width at 40 miles' distance. A second aircraft from Blue Islands Airlines independently reported the same objects from a different approach vector. Jersey Airport radar recorded faint primary contacts for 55 minutes.
On April 23, 2007, Aurigny Airlines captain Ray Bowyer, en route from Southampton to Alderney over the Channel Islands, observed two stationary bright yellow objects stretching what he estimated at roughly a mile in width at 40 miles' distance.
article source3 sourcesconfirmed - foreign government recordUnited Kingdom2006-05-15Ministry of Defence, Whitehall, London, England
Condign Report
On May 15, 2006, the UK Ministry of Defence released the previously SECRET-classified Condign Report under the Freedom of Information Act. The report was a 400-page study commissioned by the Defence Intelligence Staff (DI55) and conducted between 1997 and 2000, assessing the air-defence implications of unidentified aerial phenomena over UK airspace.
On May 15, 2006, the UK Ministry of Defence released the previously SECRET-classified Condign Report under the Freedom of Information Act.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimLatin America2004-03-05Campeche state, Mexico
Mexican Air Force FLIR Case
On March 5, 2004, a Mexican Air Force C-26A Merlin conducting drug surveillance over Campeche state detected 11 objects on its FLIR infrared camera that were entirely invisible to the naked eye. Three of the objects also registered on radar. The Secretary of National Defense officially released the footage and crew reports to the media, calling the objects unidentified.
On March 5, 2004, a Mexican Air Force C-26A Merlin conducting drug surveillance over Campeche state detected 11 objects on its FLIR infrared camera that were entirely invisible to the naked eye.
article source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimMiddle East / Asia1998-10-19Changzhou / Hebei, China
Changzhou PLA Radar Case
On October 19, 1998, four Chinese military radar stations in Hebei province simultaneously tracked an unidentified object hovering above a PLA aviation training base near Changzhou. A Jianjiao-6 interceptor pursued the object for nearly an hour; when the jet closed to 4,000 meters, the craft shot upward at a speed that outpaced the fighter entirely. At least 140 ground observers reported a mushroom-shaped craft with rotating multicolored lights.
On October 19, 1998, four Chinese military radar stations in Hebei province simultaneously tracked an unidentified object hovering above a PLA aviation training base near Changzhou.
article source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimLatin America1997Brazil
Captain Hollanda Interview
In 1997, twenty years after commanding Operação Prato, Captain Uyrangê Hollanda gave a filmed interview to Brazilian UFO researchers Ademar Gevaerd and Marco Petit, stating that his team had directly observed the objects, photographed them close-up, and believed them to be intelligently controlled. He described the classification order and his own growing conviction that the phenomenon was real. Three months later he was found dead.
In 1997, twenty years after commanding Operação Prato, Captain Uyrangê Hollanda gave a filmed interview to Brazilian UFO researchers Ademar Gevaerd and Marco Petit, stating that his team had directly observed the objects, photographed them close-up, and believed them to be intelligently controlled.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimLatin America1995-07-31Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
Bariloche Airport Incident
On the night of July 31, 1995, Aerolíneas Argentinas captain Jorge Polanco and his crew, approaching Bariloche Airport with 102 passengers aboard flight 674, observed a luminous disc-shaped object flying parallel to the aircraft for approximately 17 minutes. When the object appeared, all airport runway lights and surrounding city power failed simultaneously. Control tower instruments behaved erratically throughout.
On the night of July 31, 1995, Aerolíneas Argentinas captain Jorge Polanco and his crew, approaching Bariloche Airport with 102 passengers aboard flight 674, observed a luminous disc-shaped object flying parallel to the aircraft for approximately 17 minutes.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited Kingdom1995-01-06Pennines / Manchester approach, England
Manchester Pennines Near-Miss
On January 6, 1995, a British Airways Boeing 737 approaching Manchester Airport at 13,000 feet over the Pennines had a near-miss with an unlit wedge-shaped object that flashed silently past the cockpit. Captain Roger Wills and First Officer Mark Stuart filed reports with the Civil Aviation Authority. After a year-long inquiry the CAA's Joint Air Miss Working Group found no likely explanation.
On January 6, 1995, a British Airways Boeing 737 approaching Manchester Airport at 13,000 feet over the Pennines had a near-miss with an unlit wedge-shaped object that flashed silently past the cockpit.
html source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimContinental Europe1994Madrid, Spain
Spanish Air Force Manises File
Spain began declassifying Air Force UFO files in 1992 and completed a staged public release through 1997, depositing physical copies in the Central Library of the Air Force. The Manises 1979 incident file, declassified August 1994, was among the most significant, including the Mirage F1 pilot's debriefing, radar logs from two separate tracking stations, and the airline crew's signed statements.
Spain began declassifying Air Force UFO files in 1992 and completed a staged public release through 1997, depositing physical copies in the Central Library of the Air Force.
book source2 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited States1994-03-08Lake Michigan, West Michigan
Lake Michigan UFO Wave
On the night of March 8, 1994, more than 300 callers across 42 Michigan counties reported multicolored cylindrical objects performing erratic maneuvers over Lake Michigan; a National Weather Service radar operator at Muskegon County Airport tracked fast-moving returns that could not be attributed to any weather phenomenon.
On the night of March 8, 1994, more than 300 callers across 42 Michigan counties reported multicolored cylindrical objects performing erratic maneuvers over Lake Michigan; a National Weather Service radar operator at Muskegon County Airport tracked fast-moving returns that could not be attributed to any weather phenomenon.
article source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited Kingdom1993-03-30RAF Cosford and RAF Shawbury, Shropshire, England
Cosford-Shawbury Wave
On the night of March 30-31, 1993, more than a hundred witnesses across central England, including an MoD police patrol at RAF Cosford and a meteorological officer at RAF Shawbury, reported a vast triangular craft flying at low altitude and firing a beam of light at the ground. MoD UFO desk officer Nick Pope called the case of 'considerable defence significance.'
On the night of March 30-31, 1993, more than a hundred witnesses across central England, including an MoD police patrol at RAF Cosford and a meteorological officer at RAF Shawbury, reported a vast triangular craft flying at low altitude and firing a beam of light at the ground.
html source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimUnited Kingdom1992-08-17A70 near Tarbrax, South Lanarkshire, Scotland
A70 Tarbrax Missing-Time Case
On August 17, 1992, Garry Wood and Colin Wright were driving along the A70 near Tarbrax, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, when a black disc hovering above the road dropped a curtain of white light in front of their car. A journey that should have taken 30 minutes took two and a half hours. The MoD received a formal two-page report on the incident in 1996.
On August 17, 1992, Garry Wood and Colin Wright were driving along the A70 near Tarbrax, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, when a black disc hovering above the road dropped a curtain of white light in front of their car.
html source3 sourcesconfirmed - civilian claimContinental Europe1991Brussels, Belgium
SOBEPS Belgian Wave Report
Following the 1989-1990 Belgian UFO wave, the Société belge d'étude des phénomènes spatiaux (SOBEPS) published a 500-page scientific report, Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique (1991), compiling approximately 2,600 witness accounts, gendarmerie files, and air force radar data, the most comprehensive official UFO wave report produced by any European nation.
Following the 1989-1990 Belgian UFO wave, the Société belge d'étude des phénomènes spatiaux (SOBEPS) published a 500-page scientific report, Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique (1991), compiling approximately 2,600 witness accounts, gendarmerie files, and air force radar data, the most comprehensive official UFO wave report produced by any European nation.
html source2 sourcesconfirmed