Unresolved UAP Sighting Over United Arab Emirates (June 2024) — Pentagon Report
A declassified Pentagon report details a 2024 infrared sensor recording of an unidentified anomalous phenomenon over the Gulf of Oman.
Case Overview
The maritime region of the Gulf of Oman has long served as a critical corridor for international commerce and military surveillance. Due to the high density of naval assets and the strategic importance of the nearby Strait of Hormuz, the area is frequently monitored by advanced sensor arrays. In June 202
24, an unidentified anomalous phenomenon (UAP) was recorded within this airspace, an event that remains officially unresolved. The primary documentation for this occurrence is found in the declassified Department of War (DoW) report, DOW-UAP-PR29. This document was released to the public on May 8, 2026, as part of the broader Department of War PURSUE release and the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) public archives.
Incident Details
The report originated from the United States Northern Command, which submitted the data to AARO for formal review. The evidence provided consists of twenty-one seconds of video footage captured by an infrared sensor mounted on a U.S. military platform. The visual data shows an area of contrast that resembles an inverted teardrop shape. A notable feature of this phenomenon is a vertically linear mass or bar that appears to be attached to the bottom of the main object. This structure remains relatively centered within the sensor’s field-of-view for the duration of the recording.
Accompanying the video is the mission report DoW-UAP-D8, which provides additional qualitative observations from the personnel monitoring the sensor. While the visual characteristics of the object were clearly documented, the report includes an alternative hypothesis regarding the nature of the sighting. The observer noted that the phenomenon might not be a physical object in the atmosphere, but rather a reflection of an object located on or beneath the surface of the water.
Context and Analysis
The classification of such events as Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) reflects a modern shift in how military and governmental agencies approach aerial anomalies. Historically, such sightings were often categorized under the more colloquial term UFO. However, contemporary investigative frameworks, such as those managed by AARO, utilize the term UAP to encompass a broader range of phenomena, including those that may be atmospheric, oceanic, or related to sensor malfunctions. This shift emphasizes a scientific approach to analyzing objects that exhibit flight characteristics or visual signatures that defy immediate identification by conventional means.
The Gulf of Oman provides a complex environment for sensor-based observation. The presence of thermal gradients in the water, atmospheric moisture, and the high volume of maritime traffic creates a high-noise environment for infrared sensors. This complexity is a common factor in many unresolved UAP cases, as the difficulty in distinguishing between a physical craft, a meteorological event, or a reflected light source often leads to inconclusive findings.
When compared to other documented UAPs, the June 2024 incident is characterized by its brevity and the specific structural description of the object. While many UAP reports involve high-velocity maneuvers or sudden accelerations, this specific case focuses on the unique morphology of the object—specifically the trailing vertical mass—and the ambiguity of its origin. The lack of a definitive conclusion in the DoW-UAP-PR29 report mirrors many other high-profile sensor-based sightings where the data is sufficient to prove an anomaly exists, but insufficient to determine its physical composition or propulsion method.