DOW-UAP-D176, Triangular UAP AARO Memorandum for Record, 2026

[PAGE 1] OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 5000 DEFENSE PENTAGON WASHINGTON, DC 20301-5000 INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office | Department of War Subject: All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) Witness Debrief: Unidentified 1843(a)(1)(C) 1843(a)(1)(C) Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) Observation, 2026. Interviewers: Primary Interviewees: - (SOURCE 1): (SOURCE 2): Additional Corroborating Witness: (SOURCE 3): 1843(a)(3) 1843(a)(3) 1843(a)(2) 1843(a)(2) 1843(a)(2) 1843(a)(2) 1843(a)(2) 1843(a)(2) 1843(a)(2) 1843(a)(2) 1843(a)(2) 1843(a)(2) OVERVIEW: This report reflects the reporter’s interpretation at the time of the event. Such characterizations should not be interpreted as a conclusive indication of the presence or absence of any intrinsic object features or performance characteristics. On approximately 1843(a)(1)(C) 2026, at 2023L, federal law enforcement agents documented an unidentified craft presenting as a matte black triangular shape of extremely low aspect ratio that was nonreflective under the observed lighting conditions. It had an estimated thirteen-to-fifteen­ foot wingspan, apparent six-to-nine-foot fuselage length, and a maximum vertical thickness of roughly one to two feet. The unidentified craft maintained a completely fixed horizontal alignment with did not tilt, sway, or wobble during the controlled vertical ascent of approximately ten seconds. It climbed to an altitude of an estimated 200 to 300 feet above the local ridge line. Upon reaching this altitude, the craft instantaneously arrested all vertical motion and entered a stable hover for an estimated twenty seconds. It then reportedly transitioned from a zero-velocity state directly into high-speed horizontal flight, executing a fluid banking maneuver and terrain-hugging descent into a canyon drainage in approximately two to three seconds, with speed the observers described to be as fast as a fighter jet. Under banking angle, the craft’s silhouette appeared to flatten and present as a more triangle. The unidentified craft generated no detectable acoustic signature throughout the entire engagement. It did not produce engine roar, rotor hum, aerodynamic friction, or air-displacement [PAGE 2] OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 5000 DEFENSE PENTAGON WASHINGTON, DC 20301-5000 INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY sound despite velocities of conventional military fighter aircraft. In the infrared spectrum it displayed a spatially uniform thermal signature across the entire airframe without localized thermal concentrations, exhaust gradients, or discrete heat sources associated with propulsion. The exterior presented as a continuous (seamless), featureless surface lacking any discernible structural discontinuities, propulsive apertures, intake structures, aerodynamic control effectors, or cockpit features. No physiological effects were reported by the agents. CHRONOLOGICAL NARRATIVE OF EVENTS: : SOURCE 1 and SOURCE 2 were positioned at the primary observation post conducting routine observation support. Weather conditions were highly favorable for both visual and electro-optical collection, with unrestricted line of sight, negligible cloud cover, and late-dusk illumination. The sun had dropped entirely below the western horizon, eliminating direct solar glare. A residual sunset gradient provided a high-contrast backdrop against the western ridge lines while the deeper valley floors and canyon cuts were rapidly falling into shadow. Primary optical and tripod-mounted sensor systems were initially oriented eastward. At 2023L, SOURCE 3, positioned at the secondary observation post scanning westward with long-range thermal equipment, detected an elevated object transiting over the ridge line and called out the contact to SOURCE 1 and SOURCE 2. Upon receipt of the radio alert, SOURCE 1 and 2 reportedly immediately relocated across the peak to establish a westward visual line of sight. Terrain conditions precluded quick relocation of the primary tripod-mounted thermal system. SOURCE 2 noted he advanced with binoculars and a handheld thermal monocular; SOURCE 1 followed seconds later. SOURCE 2 reported acquiring the unidentified craft with the unaided eye as it silhouetted against the residual western sky illumination. Binoculars were employed for initial tracking and then passed to SOURCE 1. SOURCE 2 purportedly powered the handheld thermal monocular and began concurrent infrared observation. Phase I – Vertical Ascent (Duration: ~10 seconds) Upon initial visual acquisition the unidentified craft was executing a slow, controlled, perfectly vertical ascent directly over the ridge line. The craft climbed approximately two to three hundred feet while maintaining a completely static orientation without tilting, swaying, or wobbling. The non-reflective, matte black exterior presented a continuous, featureless profile with. No propulsive apertures, rotating elements, rivets, panels, windows, canopy, cabin structures, and no protrusions or structural features were observed. The ascent occurred in absolute acoustic silence. Range to the object was bounded between approximately 1.4 and 3.2 miles west of the primary observation post by terrain cross-reference. Phase II – Station-Keeping Hover (Duration: ~20 seconds) Upon reaching approximately 200 to 300 feet above the ridge line, the unidentified craft instantaneously arrested all vertical motion and entered a stable hover. It remained in this station-keeping attitude for approximately twenty seconds with no observable drift or oscillation. The exterior remained uniformly featureless. Under infrared observation the entire airframe presented a spatially uniform thermal signature with no localized hot spots, engine heat 1843(a)(1)(C) [PAGE 3] OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE 5000 DEFENSE PENTAGON WASHINGTON, DC 20301-5000 INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY signature, or exhaust plumes. No heat shimmer, vapor trail, or particulate discharge was detected. The surface did not exhibit cloaking, optical shifting or distortion, or shimmering properties, remaining matte black throughout. There was no thermal fluctuation or expansion independently of the physical profile of the craft. The transition from stable hover to high-speed horizontal flight occurred without observable acceleration ramp, gradual pitching or momentum. Phase III – Terminal Maneuver and Loss of Contact (Duration: ~2-3 seconds) Immediately following the hover, the unidentified craft appeared to transition from a stationary position to rapid horizontal flight. Approximated by the distance made along the ridge before visual contact was lost, the SOURCES estimated that its speed was compared to that as a military fighter jet. No instrumented speed measurement was obtained. It executed a fluid banking turn and steep, terrain-conforming descent into the canyon with drainage similar in appearance to low-altitude terrain-masking flight. The unidentified craft did not wobble, oscillate, or drift in the wind during any part of its transit, and as it banked to follow the canyon's path, its physical profile shifted relative to the observers. The entire horizontal transition, bank, and descent lasted approximately two to three seconds before the craft disappeared behind intervening terrain. Under banking angle, the silhouette flattened and presented as a more symmetrical isosceles triangle. Absolute acoustic silence persisted throughout the high-velocity phase. Infrared tracking was lost due to the sudden acceleration exceeding the narrow field of view of the handheld monocular; subsequent unaided visual tracking confirmed the craft’s disappearance into the canyon shadows. No impact signature, smoke, dust, or physical disturbance was observed. A ground survey of the canyon drainage conducted the following morning located no wreckage, ground scarring, or vegetation damage. Collector Note: SOURCE 1 and SOURCE 2 have extensive operational experience working and regularly observe conventional aircraft operating around the observation site. 1843(a)(1)(B), 1843(a)(1)(C) alongside government agencies and academic studies utilizing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) 1843(a)(1)(B), 1843(a)(1)(C) They noted that on this hilltop, even a conventional Group 1 drone, high-torque quadcopter motor, or rotary-wing aircraft operating at a distance of 1.4 miles would have been clearly audible. The SOURCES established a spatial, elevation, and speed bounding for the unidentified craft based on prominent local terrain features. SOURCE 1 and 2 compared the physical outline of the craft against the trees along the ridge line behind it providing a reliable physical scale reference. The two primary witnesses reported no physiological effects. There were no reports of (but not limited to) disorientation, nausea, headache, dermal sensation, visual disturbance, memory gap, or other anomalous sensory phenomena. No anomalous odors were noted. No electromagnetic interference, signal degradation, or anomalous sensor readings were recorded on personal or agency equipment. REPORT PREPARED BY: 1843(a)(3) 1843(a)(3) All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) | Official Record of Joint Witness Debrief