In March 2025, AARO issued a formal case-resolution report on the Aguadilla UAP event, a high-profile infrared video recorded near Rafael Hernández Airport in Puerto Rico on April 25, 2013, local time. The original recording was made from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft and had become one of the most frequently cited modern transmedium UAP cases.
The thermal footage appears to show a small object moving near the airport, passing over land, reaching the coastline, and continuing over the ocean. To many viewers, the object seemed to enter the water, reemerge, divide into two objects, and depart offshore. Those apparent actions led to claims that the video documented advanced maneuverability and transmedium travel.
AARO reviewed the footage using available sensor information, meteorological data, and a reconstruction of the object’s motion relative to the aircraft and camera system. It concluded with high confidence that the recorded objects did not demonstrate anomalous speed, anomalous behavior, or transmedium capability. The report determined that perspective, sensor geometry, and tracking effects created the appearance of rapid motion and water entry or exit.
AARO assessed with moderate confidence that the objects were likely two sky lanterns drifting in the prevailing wind. This conclusion accounts for their thermal appearance, slow wind-driven movement, apparent division, and disappearance over the ocean. The “split” visible in the video was interpreted as two separate objects rather than one object dividing.
The case remains debated by some independent researchers, who argue that the available public data do not fully support the sky-lantern explanation. AARO’s conclusion is nonetheless the current official assessment and is based on a more complete analytical framework than the publicly circulated short video alone permits.
The 2025 Aguadilla resolution is a vital timeline entry because it demonstrates why UAP analysis must distinguish video appearance from measured performance. A striking infrared recording can seem to depict extraordinary movement while still having a conventional explanation once range, angle, wind, and sensor perspective are fully assessed.
Evidence Guides Discovery