MQ-9 Reaper Donut-Shaped UAP — Middle East 2023

In July 2023, a USAF MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle operating in the Middle East captured FLIR infrared footage of an unidentified object with a distinctive torus (donut) or ring shape — appearing to have a hole through its center — hovering at altitude. The object showed metallic thermal properties on the FLIR sensor. It was not emitting exhaust or visible propulsion. The footage was reviewed by AARO analysts and included in AARO's briefing materials presented to congressional oversight staff members. The MQ-9 operator reported the object on standard military channels. The case was referenced in AARO's congressional briefings in 2023 and 2024. The object's distinctive donut or torus morphology distinguishes it from the more commonly reported spherical or disc shapes in the AARO database. The footage was partially described in open congressional testimony when witnesses referenced AARO's visual documentation capabilities. The complete footage remains classified; described details are sourced from congressional testimony and AARO public reporting.