Lake Erie, Saudi Arabia, and Dugway: Army Records Trace UAP Surveillance Footprint

A newly released set of U.S. Army intelligence records offers a rare glimpse into behind-the-scenes military involvement in the government’s official UAP investigation effort. In response to a December 11, 2024 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request (case number 0034F-25), the Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) has released documents tied to its contributions to the Department of Defense’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) and its Fiscal Year 2024 Consolidated Annual Report on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). While heavily redacted, the records hint at drone incursions over restricted military airspace, surveillance activity potentially linked to UAP near sensitive installations, and interagency coordination involving anomalous aerial monitoring across both domestic and overseas theaters.

The initial request sought all records, both classified or unclassified, that were sent to AARO for its FY2024 UAP report, including photos, videos, memos, emails, investigation files, and attachments. The date range was limited to material created or processed between May 1, 2023, and the date of processing the request.

According to the Army’s April 15, 2025, final response letter, large portions of the responsive records were withheld entirely under multiple FOIA exemptions, including (b)(1) for national security–related classified information, (b)(3) citing 50 U.S.C. § 3024(i) to protect intelligence sources and methods, and (b)(7)(E) for sensitive investigative techniques. The Army noted, “It is not reasonable to segregate meaningful portions of the record for release,” resulting in many pages being withheld in full.

Despite the broad redactions, several partially released Army Counterintelligence reports provide insight into the nature of some contributions to AARO’s UAP report.

One document dated June 1, 2023, details the Army’s efforts to involve Dugway Proving Ground (DPG) in UAP identification during a June 2023 exercise.

It outlines a collaboration between Mountain West Resident Agency (MWRA) and other stakeholders to detect and potentially visually corroborate UAP observations. A monthly working group was proposed to plan for additional exercises later that year.

By September 2023, the MWRA’s efforts expanded. A report dated September 12, 2023, documented a meeting where MWRA described long-term involvement in UAP monitoring, stating the unit had been tracking UAPs since an undisclosed earlier date and had improved their detection capabilities. The report explains that the unit monitors local airspace primarily for safety, but “due to increased UAP sightings by [redacted]team has taken on the mission of supporting UAP identification efforts.”

The limitations of detection equipment were also highlighted. The radars employed could estimate the direction and velocity of observed items, but could not determine altitude or precise flight characteristics. In another section, the Army reported, “a large amount of ‘airborne’ debris” was being discovered by an office or agency that remains redacted, though further characterization of that debris remains classified.

A separate report from the Great Lakes Field Office, dated September 26, 2023, discusses heightened UAP activity over Lake Erie. Counterintelligence officers held discussions regarding vessel movement near Detroit Arsenal and were told of “high UAP activity detected over Lake Erie.”

The report notes that Army Counterintelligence requested to be notified of any new reports and planned follow-up with Army pilots in the area.

A July 17, 2023, document from Saudi Arabia further broadened the geographical scope of interest. The report noted concern that U.S. military personnel stationed in the region had experienced delayed or incomplete reporting of UAV or UAP sightings near a sensitive location, prompting Army efforts to streamline the reporting process.

Several excerpts throughout the documents referenced specific equipment, including DJI-manufactured unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Army described the use of DJI Phantom 4 drones and how data from such platforms, including telemetry logs, personal data, and device identifiers, could be uploaded to foreign servers, raising counterintelligence concerns.

The reports also discussed the use of the Windtalker UAS Sensor and the Low Altitude Surveillance Platform (LASP) at White Sands Missile Range to track UAS incursions. These tools can detect and geolocate UAS and pilots within a range of more than 35 kilometers. Due to concerns about data exfiltration, modifications were made to prevent data from being transmitted back through DJI firmware.

Restricted airspace areas such as R-5107B at White Sands and WVA near Albany International Airport were frequently mentioned. These areas prohibit drone flights, yet Army reports continue to document incursions, often by self-piloted drones operating without GPS-based software.

While the bulk of the records remain classified or redacted, these reports provide a rare and detailed glimpse into the Army’s role in the broader AARO mission and how various military intelligence components are contributing to UAP detection, assessment, and interagency coordination. The documents reveal a growing infrastructure within the Army to monitor UAP activity both domestically and abroad, all while maintaining close contact with AARO and other federal partners.

This release marks one of the few confirmed instances where specific Army activities tied to UAP tracking and interagency reporting are documented in connection with AARO’s formal work. The full scope of the Army’s input into AARO’s 2024 report remains unknown.

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Document Archive

Released Records in FOIA Case 0034F-25 [70 Pages, 12MB]

 

 

 

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