The Department of War has declassified and released a video recording from April 12, 2021, depicting an unidentified aerial phenomenon described as spherical. The footage, designated under PR number PR62, was captured by a military sensor platform operating in an undisclosed location. The release is part of ongoing transparency efforts under the PURSUE policy framework, which governs the collection and dissemination of UAP-related data.
The video, lasting approximately 30 seconds, shows a small, bright spherical object moving against a clear sky. The object appears to maintain a steady course and altitude, with no visible means of propulsion or control surfaces. Audio from the recording includes a callsign being transmitted, suggesting active communication between the platform and other assets. The Department of War has not identified the specific platform or the nature of the callsign, citing operational security concerns.
The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), established under the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is responsible for analyzing such incidents. AARO’s mandate includes coordinating with military branches to collect sensor data, radar tracks, and pilot reports. In this case, the video was retrieved from a system that recorded both visual and telemetry data, though the latter has not been publicly released.
The report accompanying the release notes that the object’s spherical shape and lack of thermal signature are consistent with other UAP sightings cataloged by AARO. However, the report does not speculate on the object’s origin or nature. It states only that the phenomenon remains unidentified after initial analysis, and that no adverse effects on the platform or personnel were reported.
This declassification follows a pattern of incremental releases by the Department of War, which has prioritized transparency while protecting sensitive methods and capabilities. The PURSUE policy framework, implemented in 2023, standardizes how UAP incidents are reported, analyzed, and, when appropriate, shared with the public. AARO maintains a database of such events and regularly briefs Congress on its findings.
Moving forward, AARO may request additional data from the platform’s operators, including radar logs and maintenance records. The office can also interview personnel involved in the incident to gather contextual information. Further analysis could involve modeling the object’s trajectory or comparing it with known aircraft and atmospheric phenomena. The Department of War has not indicated whether additional footage from this event exists.
