In a significant move, legislators have imposed a firm deadline on federal agencies to release classified UFO footage, emphasizing potential threats these unidentified objects pose to U.S. military operations. The urgency stems from concerns that these phenomena could endanger national security.

Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna has formally requested that the U.S. Secretary of War provide 46 specific videos of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) by April 14, 2026. This directive was addressed to Pete Hegseth, underscoring the importance of transparency on this matter.

Among the sought-after footage are military-recorded encounters featuring variously shaped objects—spherical, cigar-like, and resembling the infamous Tic Tac. These sightings have occurred over conflict zones, oceans, and restricted airspaces worldwide, drawing increased scrutiny from defense officials.

Notably, some of these clips document UAP formations near volatile regions like Iran and Syria, as well as incidents in proximity to U.S. military installations and airports. A particularly notable event includes a 2023 incident involving a shootdown over Lake Huron.

Legislators believe that analyzing these videos could uncover patterns of activity surrounding sensitive defense sites and ascertain if these objects present a credible threat to national security. The aim is to enhance understanding and preparedness in response to these unexplained aerial phenomena.

Expressing her concerns, Luna remarked, “The lack of disclosure regarding the very real threat posed by UAPs in and around U.S. restricted airspace is concerning.” Her statement underscores the broader demand for transparency and vigilance regarding these mysterious occurrences.

‘The Task Force has found responses from AARO, when questioned about UAP sightings and provided data, [to be] less than adequate.

‘The presence of UAPs in and around the sensitive airspaces of US military installations poses a threat to the security of the armed forces and their readiness.’

One of the videos requested was ‘Spherical UAP over AFG in and out of clouds’ captured in 2020. The footage was leaked by Investigative journalists Jeremy Corbell and George Knapp last year 

Luna has taken a prominent role in advocating for transparency regarding UAPs.

She chairs a House Federal Secrets Task Force focused on investigating UAPs, declassifying federal records and protecting whistleblowers.

The threats extend beyond mysterious sightings, pointing to the danger unidentified objects pose when they appear near restricted airspace, military bases and active training zones.

Officials fear the craft could be conducting surveillance, testing US defenses or interfering with aircraft operations, raising concerns about both pilot safety and national security readiness.

Luna released the letter on Wednesday, saying: ‘The continued lack of transparency surrounding these anomalies and the potential national security threat they pose is troubling.’

She added that the Task Force held a hearing on September 9, 2025, to discuss those concerns.

‘Whistleblowers informed the Task Force that AARO possesses additional video records of potential UAP sightings,’ she wrote.

‘To continue its investigation, the Task Force requests certain video files related to UAP sightings.’

Anna Paulina Luna chairs a House Federal Secrets Task Force focused on investigating UAP, declassifying federal records and protecting whistleblowers

Some clips reportedly captured UAP formations near Iran and Syria, incidents near US bases and airports and even a 2023 shootdown over Lake Huron (stock)

The requested footage reportedly shows spherical objects weaving through clouds, hovering over open water and repeatedly appearing near US warships and submarines.

Several clips were captured by fighter jets, surveillance aircraft and drones operating in regions such as the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan and the East China Sea.

In multiple cases, more than one object was tracked moving at high speeds at the same time, raising concerns about possible coordinated activity near sensitive military operations.

One of the requests: ‘Spherical UAP over AFG in and out of clouds, 11/23/20,’ is a video reportedly showing a massive disc weaving in and out of cloud cover.

Investigative journalists Jeremy Corbell and George Knapp, who leaked parts of the clip, said the footage was recorded by government personnel over the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in November 2020.

The object was spotted during a reconnaissance mission by a high-altitude Air Force platform.

Luna’s deadline comes after President Donald Trump ordered the release of government files relating to UAPs and extraterrestrials on February 19. 

Speaking at an event for the Department of War’s ‘Arsenal of Freedom’ tour in February, Hegseth said he intends to find out if aliens really exist, and the American people will learn the truth at the same time.

Although he admitted he never envisioned being the person put in charge of potentially revealing alien life to the world, Hegseth declared that the Department of War would fully comply with the president’s orders.

‘I did not have that on my bingo card at all,’ Hegseth said.

‘We’ve got our people working on it right now. I don’t want to oversell how much time it will take, right? We’re digging in. We’re going to be in full compliance with that executive order, eager to provide that for the president.’

Hegseth didn’t have an estimate of how long it would take for the Pentagon and US intelligence agencies to release every piece of information on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), which have been widely reported throughout the US since the 1940s.

Asked if he believes aliens exist, Hegseth replied: ‘We’ll see. I get to do the review and find out along with all of you.’