Pentagon Releases 161 Declassified Files on Unexplained Aerial Phenomena

The US Defense Department released 161 declassified files on Friday, revealing thousands of pages about unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). These records follow a directive from President Trump to increase transparency around unexplained aerial encounters. Many of the documents describe objects performing unusual manoeuvres at high speeds. One report from 2023 details an unidentified craft making sharp 90-degree turns while travelling at roughly 80 miles per hour. Other accounts mention objects disabling aircraft weapons systems mid-flight. The files also highlight advanced capabilities that match technologies developed by major defence firms.

Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and RTX have all been linked to classified programs exploring similar technologies. These companies specialise in stealth and electronic warfare systems, areas where UAP reports suggest advanced performance. The newly released records are available on the Defense Department’s official portal, with more batches expected in the future.

Meanwhile, the iShares Aerospace & Defense ETF has dropped 8% recently, though analysts attribute this decline to rising tensions with Iran rather than the UAP disclosures. Market watchers believe the revelations will have little long-term effect on defence sector valuations. The declassified files provide detailed accounts of UAP encounters, including high-speed manoeuvres and system disruptions. Further releases are planned, but financial experts do not expect the disclosures to alter the defence industry’s market performance. The records remain accessible to the public through the Defense Department’s website.