In mid-May 2026, the international study of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) received significant new momentum. Following the Pentagon's release of its first major collection of materials—approximately 160 to 162 files, including videos and reports—and the swift response from Japanese authorities, France has now stepped forward to continue the trend.
"Œil de Sauron, soucoupes volantes, orbes orange… Pourquoi le Pentagone publie-t-il des documents classifiés sur les #ovnis, et que disent-ils ?" On fera le point au colloque #PAN que j'organiserai à l'Assemblée le 29/6 avec mon collègue Pierre Henriet. 😎franceinfo.fr/monde/usa/il-d…
Two specific cases from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's archives have generated particular interest. The first, DOW-UAP-PR47 (2023), is a nearly two-minute infrared video capturing three distinct areas of contrast near Japan. The second, DOW-UAP-PR46 (2024), is a short nine-second clip from the East China Sea showing an oval, football-shaped object with unusual protrusions moving in an atypical manner.
On May 11, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed that the government is carefully analyzing these materials in coordination with the United States. Tokyo emphasized its daily monitoring of such incidents and noted the possibility of a phased disclosure of its own data, contingent on national security requirements.
Now, France has officially joined the process. National Assembly member Arnaud Saint-Martin, a member of the defense commission, announced that the first parliamentary colloquium on PAN (the French equivalent of UAP) will take place on June 29. The event will bring together lawmakers, representatives from the national space agency (CNES), and GEIPAN, an organization with a long history of studying aerospace phenomena. The theme is titled "Phenomena Beyond Fantasy," and the session was directly prompted by the Pentagon's recent data release.
Investigative journalist Ross Coulthart and other observers have identified this as a major step forward, noting that after Japan's cautious statements, Europe is moving toward open parliamentary discussion. Saint-Martin had previously voiced his intention to "reopen the dossier" on PAN, despite earlier resistance from scientific committees.
These events are unfolding with a clear sense of progression. First, the United States began a phased release of its archives under direct presidential orders. Japan, having faced incidents near its own shores, publicly confirmed its analysis and willingness to exchange information. Finally, France, which maintains one of the most systematic approaches to the subject in Europe, is now elevating the issue to the level of the National Assembly.
To the general public, this looks like the beginning of a chain reaction. So far, no country has made sensational claims about "contact" or extraterrestrial technologies. Instead, the focus is on a serious, albeit careful, investigation of objects that cannot be reliably explained by known technology, natural events, or the actions of other nations.
This dynamic is particularly interesting because it involves several technologically advanced powers with robust surveillance systems. Each new step helps to reduce the stigma surrounding the topic and encourages international dialogue. While it is too early to speak of a global breakthrough, the sequence of events—stretching from Washington through Tokyo to Paris—creates a sense that the process is gaining speed.
The coming months, particularly the French colloquium in late June, will demonstrate exactly how far various countries are prepared to go in releasing their data and searching for answers together.
