Official · Document · Department of War
Military Operator Saw Three Objects Moving on Screen
He was tracking the first, then a second object zipped past it.
Released to the public May 8, 2026
In brief
A military crew member reported that a second object, similar to the first but faster, passed it. Later, three objects were seen moving together on the screen, but their identity remains unknown.
Summary
A single-page U.S. Navy Range Fouler Debrief Form documenting an 08/31/2020 dusk encounter reported by an O-2 pilot of squadron VFA-82ATKS (as transcribed). The pilot describes initially tracking one object that flies through the sensor screen, then being surpassed by a second object of the same size and shape at much higher speed, with up to three objects on screen simultaneously moving amongst each other. The form records contact altitude 18000 (units not specified on form), wind 150/230, and an MGRS grid for the initial contact (partially redacted). Latitude/longitude, identifying personnel information, and certain handling instructions are redacted.
Incidents in the document
- 2020-08-31 · MGRS grid beginning 39RWL2 (partially redacted); manifest lists incident location as 'Arabian Gulf' though MGRS 39R falls in the Japan/East Asia region per document title, Japan (per document title) · Page 1
At dusk on 08/31/20, the pilot saw an initial object fly through the sensor screen and began tracking it. A second object of the same size and shape but at much higher speed surpassed the first. At one point during tracking, three objects were on the screen simultaneously moving amongst each other. Contact altitude is recorded as 18000. Wind direction/speed at contact altitude is given as 150/230. Altitude was not constant; the contact was moving.