The Department of War released a declassified report on February 24, 2026, detailing a 2022 Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) incident over Europe. The report, designated PR-005, was declassified under the PURSUE policy framework, which mandates the review and release of historical UAP records. The incident was resolved as a balloon, according to the document.
The report describes an event that occurred in 2022, during which sensors operated by the Department of War detected an anomalous object in European airspace. The object was tracked by multiple sensors, including radar and electro-optical systems. The report does not specify the exact location or the type of platform involved, but notes that the object exhibited flight characteristics consistent with a balloon, including slow speed and altitude changes influenced by wind patterns.
The filename of the declassified report, “pr-005-uap-report-resolved-balloon-europe-2022,” indicates that the incident was categorized as resolved. The report was generated by the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), which is responsible for coordinating UAP investigations across the Department of Defense. The Office of the Secretary of Defense oversaw the declassification process.
The report includes technical details from the sensor recordings. The object was observed at an altitude of approximately 30,000 feet, with a ground speed of 15 knots. The sensor data showed no signs of propulsion or maneuvering beyond what would be expected from a free-floating balloon. The report does not identify the type of balloon or its origin, but states that no threat was posed to aircraft or ground assets.
The declassification of this report is part of a broader effort by the Department of War to increase transparency around UAP incidents. The PURSUE policy framework, established in 2024, requires the periodic review of historical UAP records for potential declassification. This report is one of several that have been released in recent months, covering incidents from the 1960s to the present.
Moving forward, AARO may request additional data from the original sensor operators or interview personnel involved in the 2022 incident to further refine the analysis. The office also continues to evaluate other unresolved UAP cases. The Department of War has stated that it remains committed to providing factual information about UAP incidents while protecting sensitive sources and methods.
