AARO Releases Final Report on “Eglin UAP” Incident

Today, the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) of the U.S. Department of Defense provided their report into the “Eglin UAP” incident. The investigation revolved around an event that took place on January 26, 2023, involving a military pilot during a routine exercise in the airspace near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

The broader public became aware of the “Eglin UAP” incident largely through Congressman Matt Gaetz, who discussed the case during a Congressional hearing. He highlighted a particular photograph taken by Air Force pilots, describing the UFO as an “orb” that demonstrated capabilities beyond human technology. Gaetz’s comments brought significant attention to the incident, emphasizing its implications for national security and the urgent need for further investigation into such unexplained phenomena. His remarks underlined the complexities and potential threats posed by UAPs in sensitive military zones.

According to AARO’s report, the pilot encountered what initially appeared as potential unidentified anomalous phenomena at approximately 16,000 feet. The objects were initially detected by onboard radar, showing four items aloft, seemingly flying in formation. However, only one of these objects was visually confirmed by the pilot and subsequently recorded via the aircraft’s electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor .

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The visually observed object was described as “gray with a paneled surface and orange-red coloring at the center,” resembling a large balloon. Initially, there was speculation about an engine-like feature attached to the object, but this detail could not be corroborated with any additional data or visual evidence .

AARO’s analysis concluded that the UAP was “very likely a lighter-than-air object, such as a large commercial lighting balloon.” This conclusion was said to be based on various data points, including pilot testimonies, sensor data, and comparative analysis with known aerial objects such as balloons used for meteorological research or commercial purposes.

Interestingly, during the incident, the pilot reported a radar malfunction, which was determined to be due to a tripped circuit breaker, a recurring issue with the aircraft that was assessed as unrelated to the presence of the UAP.

In light of these findings, AARO stated with “moderate confidence” that the object did not exhibit any anomalous characteristics or capabilities. “No anomalous flight characteristics, behaviors, or capabilities were confirmed,” the report emphasized. The identification was further supported by laboratory tests on a commercial lighting balloon that showed similar physical characteristics to those described by the pilot.