The Department of War has declassified a video recording of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon (UAP) captured during a mission on August 24, 2020. The footage, designated under PR number PR90, was released pursuant to the PURSUE policy framework, which governs the controlled disclosure of UAP-related material. The video shows a sensor track from a platform operating in an undisclosed location, with the object appearing as a bright spot on infrared and radar displays.
The recording, identified by the filename dow-uap-pr090-24-aug-2020-callsign-mission-observes-uap, includes audio of the aircrew noting the object’s behavior. According to the metadata, the sensor was operating in a standard tracking mode. The object does not exhibit any visible means of propulsion and maintains a consistent altitude and speed throughout the engagement. The report does not specify the exact geographic coordinates of the event, citing operational security concerns.
The release is part of a broader effort by the Office of the Secretary of Defense to increase transparency regarding UAP encounters. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) reviewed the footage and determined that it does not contain any classified information beyond the initial designation. AARO officials stated that the video is consistent with other sensor recordings of UAPs that have been declassified in recent years.
The platform involved in the mission was a manned aircraft conducting routine operations. The sensor recorded the object for approximately 90 seconds before it exited the field of view. The aircrew reported that the object did not respond to radio calls and did not appear on secondary surveillance radar. The Department of War has not identified the object as any known aircraft or drone.
The PURSUE policy framework, established in 2022, provides guidelines for the declassification and release of UAP-related material. It requires that all releases be reviewed by AARO to ensure they do not compromise national security. This release is one of several that have been made public under the framework, which aims to balance transparency with operational security.
AARO can request additional data from the Department of War, including full sensor logs and operator interviews, to further analyze the event. The office may also task other intelligence agencies with cross-referencing the object’s characteristics against known databases. No further releases related to this specific event have been announced.
