ODNI UAP Luring Operation

The Operation

In December 2025, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) conducted what appears to be the first officially-acknowledged 'luring operation' targeting unidentified aerial phenomena at a sensitive military testing facility in the southwestern United States. The operation generated substantial photographic and video evidence, declassified testimony, and congressional briefings.

Witness Accounts

A senior intelligence official serving as a passenger in a military helicopter provided firsthand testimony of the encounter, describing approximately one hour of continuous observation. The official reported witnessing orange and white orbs that moved at extraordinarily high speeds, split into multiple objects, and maintained geometric formations including T-shapes and triangular configurations. The objects displayed coordinated movement patterns that appeared to track military aircraft in the vicinity.

The official's account emphasized the thermal signature of the orbs, describing them as 'super-hot' in infrared imagery, and noted the absence of conventional propulsion signatures such as sonic booms or infrared exhaust trails typical of aircraft.

Physical Evidence

The operation produced extensive documentation:

• Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) video recorded from both the helicopter and ground-based thermal imaging systems
• Photographs captured using night vision technology by ground personnel
• Twenty-four declassified images released through the U.S. Department of War's PURSUE program (Release 02)
• An FBI 302 interview documenting the senior intelligence official's firsthand account
• A detailed written narrative statement from the witnessing official

Government documents characterized the operation as a 'successful test,' suggesting deliberate methodology designed to observe or potentially attract UAP activity.

Congressional Knowledge

The incident was referenced during House Oversight Committee discussions of UAP transparency in late 2025 and early 2026. Representative Eric Burlison publicly mentioned the operation while unveiling additional UAP evidence during congressional hearings. The details were presented during classified briefings to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Representatives Tim Burchett and Eric Burlison, indicating awareness at the highest levels of congressional UAP oversight.

Significance

This represents the first publicly-acknowledged instance of the U.S. government intentionally conducting an operation designed to study or interact with UAPs. The scale of official documentation—including photographs, thermal imagery, interviews, and congressional briefings—demonstrates serious institutional commitment to understanding these phenomena. The presence of a senior intelligence official as a direct witness adds significant credibility to the account.