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The Pentagon has released 162 declassified UFO files spanning nearly 80 years, following a directive from President Donald Trump. The documents include a 1948 sighting off the Dutch coast near the Haringvliet estuary, where U.S. airmen reported an unidentified jet aircraft exhibiting extraordinary speed and maneuverability. The release marks what the Department of Defense calls an 'unprecedented transparency' effort regarding Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP).
What Did the Pentagon Release?
On May 8, 2026, the Department of Defense published an initial batch of 162 files on a newly launched government website (war.gov/UFO/). The materials include 120 PDF documents, 28 videos, and 14 images drawn from the FBI, NASA, the State Department, and military intelligence archives. According to the Pentagon, the files date from 1942 to 2025 and cover sightings from the Apollo moon missions to recent combat zone reports in the Middle East.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the release aims to 'end speculation fueled by long-classified files.' The initiative is part of the PURSUE program (Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters), which Trump established earlier in 2026.
1948 Sighting off the Dutch Coast
One of the most notable documents concerns a 1948 incident near the Netherlands. Three American crew members reported seeing an unknown jet aircraft above the western coast of the Netherlands, near the mouth of the Haringvliet. According to the report, the aircraft accelerated extremely fast, left smoke and condensation trails, and possibly used rocket assistance. The document notes that the aircraft flew faster than the normal cruising speed of contemporary fighter jets and never came close enough to be positively identified.
This sighting is part of a broader pattern of Cold War-era UAP encounters. The US government UFO investigations from that period, including Project Blue Book and earlier efforts, documented numerous similar reports from military personnel around the world.
Apollo Moon Mission Photographs
The released files also include grainy photographs from NASA's Apollo 12 mission (1969), showing what the Pentagon labels 'unidentified phenomena' on the lunar surface. Additional images from Apollo 17 (1972) show bright specks in the lunar sky. A transcript from Gemini 7 (1965) reveals astronaut Frank Borman reporting a 'bogey' and debris field, which space historian James Oberg attributed to booster fragments. Apollo 17 commander Eugene Cernan described a 'flashing' object rotating rhythmically near the capsule.
Recent Military Reports
The document dump includes reports from U.S. military pilots in Middle East combat zones (2020-2024), infrared footage from 2025, and a 2024 description of a 'football-shaped' object near Japan. Over 20 videos from Syria, Japan, and North America were released, including a star-shaped aircraft from 2013 and a 'super-hot' orb spotted by a U.S. intelligence official. A 1994 incident over Kazakhstan describes a pilot observing a UAP making 90-degree turns.
The Pentagon UAP investigation office AARO continues to analyze these phenomena, though officials caution that many sightings likely involve misidentified military technology.
Political Reactions and Criticism
While Trump hailed the release as a victory for transparency, critics argue the timing is politically motivated. Some commentators have called the documents a 'nothing burger,' noting that 108 of the 162 files contain redactions to protect identities and sensitive information. The Pentagon itself stated that many materials have not yet been analyzed for resolution of anomalies and that no confirmed evidence of extraterrestrial life has been found.
'With these new documents and videos, people can decide for themselves: what in the world is going on? Have fun with it,' Trump said in a statement. Critics, however, view the release as a distraction from other political challenges facing the administration.
The debate over UFO transparency continues to divide lawmakers and the public, with some demanding full disclosure and others urging caution against fueling pseudoscience.
FAQ: Pentagon UFO File Release 2026
How many UFO files were released?
The Pentagon released 162 files: 120 PDFs, 28 videos, and 14 images.
What time period do the files cover?
The documents span from 1942 to 2025, covering nearly 80 years of sightings.
Is there proof of aliens in these files?
The Pentagon states that no confirmed evidence of extraterrestrial life has been found. Many sightings are likely misidentified military technology or natural phenomena.
Why did Trump order this release?
Trump directed the Pentagon to release the files under the PURSUE initiative, citing a need for 'total transparency' after decades of speculation.
Where can I view the documents?
The files are published on the Department of Defense website at war.gov/UFO/, with additional materials expected on a rolling basis.
Sources
CNN: Pentagon releases initial batch of declassified UFO files
AP News: UFO files shed light on sightings but leave interpretation to the public
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