WSJ: Pentagon spread UFO myths to hide secret military programmes

A small Pentagon office spent months probing conspiracy theories about secret programmes related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) in Washington—only to discover a startling reality.

The Pentagon itself had played a role in spreading at least one of those theories, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Wall Street Journal.

The findings are based on a sweeping investigation by the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), a task force created by the US Congress to examine persistent rumors of hidden government programmes related to alien technology. The message draws on interviews with military officials and access to thousands of pages of documents.

One of the most revealing incidents dates back to the 1980s, when a US Air Force officer allegedly planted fake UFO photographs at a bar near the top-secret Area 51 base in Nevada. The goal, according to investigators, was to fuel alien conspiracy theories and deflect attention from tests of stealth aircraft, including the then-classified F-117 Nighthawk. Its angular design bore a striking resemblance to popular depictions of alien spacecraft. 

Such operations were not isolated but part of a broader, deliberate strategy to protect sensitive defence programmes. The disinformation efforts reportedly included forged documents, fake briefings for military personnel, and the fabrication of entire secret projects related to UFOs. AARO also revisited a series of Cold War-era incidents during which Air Force personnel reported nuclear missile malfunctions coinciding with sightings of hovering objects.

While some witnesses still believe these were extraterrestrial encounters, AARO concluded the malfunctions were likely caused by electromagnetic pulse (EMP) tests simulating the effects of nuclear explosions. Many service members involved in these episodes reportedly maintained belief in alien involvement for decades, sometimes under strict non-disclosure agreements that further fueled public speculation. 

Notably, parts of AARO’s 2024 public report were withheld at the request of the US Air Force, citing fears of reputational damage. A follow-up report containing the redacted findings is expected to be released later this year.

By Naila Huseynova