The Department of War has declassified and released a video recording of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon (UAP) captured by a military aircraft operating in the Middle East in August 2024. The footage, designated PR88 under the Pentagon’s new PURSUE policy framework, shows an object observed by a platform using the callsign “Callsign” during a routine mission on August 31, 2024.
The video, which lasts approximately 90 seconds, was recorded by the aircraft’s sensor suite. According to the metadata in the filename, the sensor captured the object at an unspecified altitude and range. The report accompanying the release does not identify the object or provide a definitive explanation. It notes that the object exhibited no visible propulsion or control surfaces and maintained a steady flight path throughout the observation.
The release is part of the Department of War’s commitment to transparency under the PURSUE policy, which mandates the periodic declassification of UAP-related material. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), established within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, oversees the review and release of such records. AARO’s role includes coordinating with military branches to ensure that declassified material does not compromise operational security.
This is the third UAP-related release under PURSUE since the policy was implemented in 2023. Previous releases included a 2022 incident over Syria and a 2023 observation near a naval vessel in the Pacific. The Department of War has stated that each release undergoes a rigorous review process to verify authenticity and remove any sensitive information.
The report does not speculate on the nature of the object. It states that the platform’s operators reported no anomalous behavior beyond the visual and sensor contact. The object was not tracked by radar beyond the aircraft’s own systems, and no other assets in the area reported similar sightings.
AARO will continue to analyze the footage and may request additional data from the operating unit, including maintenance logs, pilot debriefs, and any other sensor recordings from the mission. The office can also interview the crew to gather further details about the encounter. Future releases under PURSUE are expected as additional records are reviewed and cleared for public dissemination.
