The Department of War released a declassified video on Tuesday depicting an unidentified aerial phenomenon (UAP) recorded by a U.S. Navy aircraft in 2021. The footage, designated as the “Navy 2021 Flyby Video,” was made public as part of ongoing transparency efforts under the PURSUE policy framework, which governs the collection and analysis of UAP reports across the Department of Defense.
The video was captured by a Navy platform operating in an undisclosed location during a routine training mission. According to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the sensor recorded an object moving at high speed and performing maneuvers that are not immediately explainable. The filename metadata indicates the recording was made in 2021, though the exact date and coordinates remain classified.
The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), which leads the Pentagon’s UAP investigations, reviewed the footage and determined that it does not contain any sensitive technical data that would preclude public release. AARO officials stated that the object’s flight characteristics, including its velocity and trajectory, are consistent with other UAP reports from the same period, but no definitive identification has been made.
The report does not specify the type of Navy aircraft or sensor system used, but analysts note that the video appears to show a flyby event where the UAP passes near the recording platform. The object does not exhibit any visible propulsion or control surfaces, and no acoustic signatures were captured. The Pentagon emphasized that the release is part of a broader effort to reduce stigma around reporting UAPs and to encourage service members to come forward with observations.
Under the PURSUE policy, AARO can request additional data from the recording platform, including telemetry and radar logs, and may interview the aircrew involved. The office is also tasked with coordinating with other agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, to cross-reference the event with known air traffic. No further details about the object’s origin or nature have been provided.
Moving forward, AARO will continue to analyze the video alongside other UAP cases. The office has the authority to request sensor calibration data and maintenance records to rule out equipment anomalies. The Pentagon has stated that it will release additional declassified materials as they become available, consistent with the PURSUE framework’s emphasis on transparency while protecting national security.
