The Pentagon on Friday began releasing 162 “never-before-seen” files related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP), which are otherwise known as unidentified flying objects (UFOs).
Such files have sparked theories from generations of paranormal investigators, influencers, conspiracy theorists, and sceptical Americans.
The release of the files comes a month after US President Donald Trump's February 20 order calling for more transparency around “alien and extraterrestrial life, unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters".
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) May 8, 2026
The initiative is being taken as a part of the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE), an inter-agency effort that includes the White House, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and more agencies.
"The collection will be housed on war.gov/ufo, and additional files will be released by the Department of War on a rolling basis," the Pentagon wrote in an X post, announcing the release of the files on a "rolling basis".
The @DeptofWar is in lockstep with President Trump to bring unprecedented transparency regarding our government’s understanding of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena.
— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) May 8, 2026
These files, hidden behind classifications, have long fueled justified speculation — and it’s time the American… https://t.co/F0EUuih8YM
Among the documents published on Friday were a tranche of intelligence reports and FBI case files containing eyewitness accounts and public reports of alleged sightings over the years, with some dating as far back as the 1950s.
Transcripts from NASA astronauts were also included, which hinted at possible unidentified objects sighted on missions.
However, there is a catch. Some of the files being released have likely been amended for security purposes, despite most of the UAP data remaining unresolved.
“While all of the files have been reviewed for security purposes, many of the materials have not yet been analysed for resolution of any anomalies,” it added in the X post.
Notably, while UAP-linked releases are not uncommon in US history, this transparency project is said to be the first of its kind to arise from a coordinated effort of this scale.
