Civilian Reports of Fighter Jets Chasing UAPs: A Collection of UFO Stories
Throughout history, there have been numerous stories of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) – a term often used interchangeably with UFOs. The phenomenon of civilian reports of fighter jets chasing UAPs is particularly intriguing, as these sightings imply potential military involvement in the investigation or engagement of these unidentified objects.
The Chiles-Whitted UFO Encounter (1948)
On July 24, 1948, two Eastern Air Lines pilots, Clarence Chiles and John Whitted, reported encountering a cigar-shaped UAP with glowing windows while flying near Montgomery, Alabama. The object was said to be moving at a high rate of speed and appeared to emit a fiery exhaust trail. Following the sighting, U.S. Air Force fighter jets were dispatched to investigate the area, but they were unable to locate the object. The Chiles-Whitted encounter remains one of the earliest and most famous UFO sightings involving commercial pilots in the United States.
The Exeter UFO Incident (1965)
On September 3, 1965, multiple witnesses in Exeter, New Hampshire, reported seeing a large, silent, and brightly lit object in the sky. As the object moved across the town, it was pursued by police officers, who alerted nearby Pease Air Force Base. In response, U.S. Air Force fighter jets were scrambled to investigate the object, but they were unable to make visual contact before it disappeared. The Exeter UFO Incident remains one of the most well-documented UAP encounters in the United States.
The Pascagoula UFO Abduction (1973)
On October 11, 1973, Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker reported being abducted by extraterrestrials while fishing near Pascagoula, Mississippi. Following the encounter, the U.S. military conducted an investigation into the sighting, during which fighter jets were dispatched to patrol the area. While no direct engagement between military aircraft and UAPs was reported, the incident remains one of the most famous alleged UFO abductions in the United States.
The Kinross Incident (1953)
On November 23, 1953, a U.S. Air Force F-89 Scorpion interceptor was scrambled from Kinross Air Force Base in Michigan to investigate an unidentified radar blip over Lake Superior. While pursuing the unknown object, radar contact with the F-89 was lost, and the aircraft disappeared without a trace. Despite extensive search and rescue efforts, no wreckage or crew members were ever found. The Kinross Incident remains one of the most mysterious and controversial UAP encounters involving military aircraft.
Battle of Los Angeles (1942)
One of the most famous historical UFO encounters is the Battle of Los Angeles, which took place during World War II. In the early hours of February 25, 1942, civilians and military personnel alike reported seeing a large, unidentified object over the city. Believing it to be an enemy aircraft, military units fired thousands of rounds of anti-aircraft artillery at the object. Fighter jets were also scrambled to intercept it. Despite the intense barrage, no debris or wreckage was found, and the object disappeared without a trace.
The Washington, D.C. UFO Incident (1952)
From July 12 to July 29, 1952, a series of unidentified flying objects were reported in the skies above Washington, D.C. Civilian witnesses, as well as radar operators, spotted these objects, which were described as bright lights moving at high speeds and performing extraordinary maneuvers. Fearing a potential threat to national security, the Air Force scrambled fighter jets to intercept the objects. However, the UAPs vanished before the jets could make contact. The objects were sighted again on July 26, leading to another round of fighter jet pursuits, but again, they disappeared without a trace.
The Rendlesham Forest Incident (1980)
This UFO encounter occurred over a period of three nights, from December 26 to December 28, 1980, in Rendlesham Forest near Suffolk, England. The incident began when military personnel stationed at the nearby RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge bases reported seeing strange lights in the forest. On subsequent nights, more sightings were reported, including by Lt. Colonel Charles Halt, who led a team to investigate the phenomenon. During this time, several witnesses reported seeing fighter jets chasing the unidentified objects through the skies above the forest.
Belgian UFO Wave (1989-1990)
The Belgian UFO wave was a series of UAP sightings that took place in Belgium from November 1989 to April 1990. During this time, thousands of people reported seeing mysterious, triangular-shaped objects in the sky. The objects were known for their ability to hover silently, accelerate rapidly, and make sharp turns. On multiple occasions, Belgian Air Force F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept these objects. Although the pilots managed to lock onto the UAPs using radar, they could never make visual contact. The objects would simply vanish or outmaneuver the pursuing fighter jets.
The Aguadilla UFO Incident (2013)
On April 25, 2013, an unidentified flying object was spotted by civilian airport employees near the Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The object was described as a glowing, oval-shaped craft that moved erratically through the sky. The sighting prompted the scrambling of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft, which captured infrared video of the object. The footage showed the UAP flying at high speeds, making sharp turns, and even briefly submerging itself in the ocean. Despite an extensive search, the object was never identified or recovered.
USS Nimitz UFO Incident (2004)
This encounter took place on November 14, 2004, off the coast of Southern California, involving the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. During a routine training exercise, Navy pilots reported encountering a tic-tac-shaped UAP that exhibited remarkable speed and maneuverability. The object was also captured on infrared video by one of the pilots, Cmdr. David Fravor. In response to the sighting, multiple F/A-18F Super Hornets were scrambled to intercept the UAP. The pilots engaged in a brief aerial chase, but the object easily evaded them and disappeared from sight. The incident remains unexplained, despite extensive analysis by the U.S. military.
USS Theodore Roosevelt UFO Encounter (2015)
In 2015, another significant UAP encounter occurred, this time involving the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group off the east coast of the United States. Over several weeks, pilots reported encountering mysterious objects that flew at hypersonic speeds, with no visible means of propulsion or wings. These objects were captured on video by the pilots, who also attempted to intercept them using their F/A-18F Super Hornets. However, the UAPs consistently outpaced and outmaneuvered the fighter jets, leaving the pilots baffled by their capabilities.
The Tic Tac and Gimbal Incidents (2015)
In 2015, the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group encountered two separate UAPs: the “Tic Tac” and “Gimbal” objects. These incidents were recorded by pilots using infrared targeting systems, with the videos later released by the U.S. Department of Defense. The Tic Tac object displayed extraordinary agility and speed, while the Gimbal object exhibited unusual rotation and stability in the air. Despite efforts by the F/A-18F Super Hornet pilots to intercept these UAPs, the objects easily evaded their pursuit.
The OHare International Airport UFO Sighting (2006)
On November 7, 2006, numerous airport employees and witnesses reported seeing a disc-shaped UAP hovering above Chicago’s OHare International Airport. The object was said to be metallic and gray, with no visible lights or markings. After being stationary for several minutes, the object suddenly shot up into the sky, leaving a hole in the cloud cover. Although no fighter jets were scrambled in this case, the sighting received significant media attention, and the FAA’s reluctance to investigate the incident further led to widespread speculation about potential military involvement.
Stephenville, Texas UFO Incident (2008)
In January 2008, dozens of residents in Stephenville, Texas, reported witnessing large, silent, unidentified objects in the sky, moving at high speeds and performing extraordinary maneuvers. Some witnesses claimed to have seen military jets pursuing these objects. The U.S. Air Force initially denied any involvement in the incident but later admitted that F-16 fighter jets had been conducting training exercises in the area.
Phoenix Lights Incident (1997)
On the night of March 13, 1997, thousands of residents in Arizona, Nevada, and northern Mexico reported seeing a series of strange lights in the sky. The phenomenon, known as the Phoenix Lights, consisted of two separate events: a triangular formation of lights that seemed to hover over the Phoenix area and a series of stationary lights seen in the sky over a span of several hours. Although no fighter jets were directly reported to be chasing the UAPs, many witnesses reported seeing military aircraft in the vicinity. The incident remains one of the most famous and well-documented UFO sightings in history.
The Kaikoura Lights (1978)
In December 1978, a series of UAP sightings took place off the coast of Kaikoura, New Zealand. The objects, which appeared as bright lights, were reported by both civilian and military witnesses, as well as captured on film by a news crew. During one of the encounters, a Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft was sent to investigate the phenomenon. The pilot reported being followed by the objects, which seemed to be intelligently controlled. Despite an official investigation, the Kaikoura Lights incident remains unexplained.
The Tehran UFO Incident (1976)
On September 19, 1976, the Iranian Air Force received multiple reports of an unidentified object in the skies over Tehran. In response, two F-4 Phantom II fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the object. As they approached the UAP, the pilots experienced sudden equipment malfunctions, and their missiles reportedly became inoperative. The object, which was described as a bright, glowing sphere, then seemingly released a smaller object that pursued one of the fighter jets. The incident remains unexplained and is considered one of the most compelling UFO encounters involving military aircraft.
The B-52 Minot AFB UFO Incident (1968)
On October 24, 1968, a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber was conducting a routine mission near Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota when the crew reported encountering a UAP. The object, described as a large, glowing sphere, seemed to follow the aircraft for several minutes. Ground radar operators also detected the object, and an F-106 Delta Dart fighter jet was scrambled to intercept it. However, the UAP outmaneuvered the fighter jet and eventually disappeared from sight. The incident remains unexplained.
The Canary Islands UFO Incident (1976)
On June 22, 1976, numerous witnesses on the Canary Islands off the coast of Spain reported seeing multiple bright, glowing objects in the sky. The objects performed extraordinary maneuvers and appeared to be intelligently controlled. In response, the Spanish Air Force scrambled fighter jets to intercept the UAPs, but the objects easily evaded them. The incident, which was investigated by the Spanish government, remains unexplained and is considered one of the most significant UFO sightings in Spain.
The Coyame UFO Incident (1974)
According to reports, on August 25, 1974, a UAP and a small aircraft allegedly collided near Coyame, Mexico, resulting in the crash of both vehicles. Witnesses claimed to have seen military personnel, including U.S. and Mexican forces, recovering debris from the site. It is said that fighter jets were deployed to secure the area and ensure no further UAP incursions occurred. Although the incident has never been officially confirmed, it remains an intriguing example of potential military involvement in a UFO event.
The Colares UFO Flap (1977)
Between August and December 1977, the Brazilian island of Colares experienced a wave of UFO sightings, with numerous reports of mysterious objects and strange lights in the sky. Some witnesses even claimed to have been injured by beams of light emitted by the objects. The Brazilian Air Force conducted an investigation known as Operation Saucer, during which fighter jets were sent to patrol the area. However, no direct engagements between military aircraft and UAPs were reported. The results of the investigation remain classified.
The Japan Airlines Flight 1628 Incident (1986)
On November 17, 1986, Japan Airlines Flight 1628, a cargo flight en route from Paris to Tokyo, encountered multiple UAPs while flying over Alaska. The objects, described as enormous and cylindrical, followed the aircraft for nearly 50 minutes. The crew reported the incident to air traffic control, which confirmed radar detection of the objects. In response, the U.S. Air Force scrambled two F-15 fighter jets to investigate. However, by the time the jets arrived, the UAPs had disappeared. The incident remains unexplained.
The Westall UFO Encounter (1966)
On April 6, 1966, in Melbourne, Australia, more than 200 students and teachers at Westall High School reported witnessing a metallic, saucer-shaped object descend into a nearby field. The object then rose back into the sky and was pursued by several military aircraft. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) never officially confirmed the involvement of fighter jets in the incident, but many witnesses maintain that military aircraft were present. The Westall UFO Encounter remains one of Australia’s most famous and unexplained UFO sightings.
The RB-47 UFO Encounter (1957)
On July 17, 1957, a U.S. Air Force RB-47 surveillance aircraft was flying a routine mission over the southern United States when it encountered a UAP. The object, which appeared as a bright light, was detected by both airborne and ground radar systems. As the UAP pursued the aircraft, two U.S. Air Force fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the object. Despite numerous attempts, the jets were unable to make visual contact with the UAP, which eventually disappeared. The incident remains unexplained.
The RAF Lakenheath-Bentwaters Incident (1956)
On the night of August 13, 1956, radar operators at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Bentwaters, two Royal Air Force bases in the United Kingdom, detected multiple unidentified objects moving at high speeds over East Anglia. In response, RAF Venom fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the UAPs. However, the objects demonstrated remarkable maneuverability, easily evading the pursuing aircraft. Although the U.K. Ministry of Defence later attributed the sightings to natural phenomena, the incident remains a topic of debate among UFO researchers.
The Mantell UFO Incident (1948)
On January 7, 1948, Kentucky Air National Guard pilot Captain Thomas F. Mantell Jr. was ordered to pursue a UAP spotted near Godman Army Airfield. The object was described as a large, metallic, cone-shaped craft. Despite reaching an altitude of over 20,000 feet, Mantell was unable to catch up to the object before his aircraft crashed, resulting in his death. The Mantell UFO Incident marked the first time a military pilot had lost his life while pursuing a UAP, fueling public speculation about the potential dangers posed by unidentified aerial phenomena.
The Redmond, Oregon UFO Incident (1959)
On September 24, 1959, police officers and civilian witnesses in Redmond, Oregon reported seeing a large, glowing object hovering in the sky. The object was also detected by ground radar at a nearby military installation. In response, two U.S. Air Force F-102 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the UAP. However, the object quickly accelerated and disappeared from sight before the jets could make visual contact. The incident remains unexplained.
These additional examples highlight the enduring fascination with civilian reports of fighter jets chasing UAPs, as well as the global scope of such encounters. As the nature and origin of these unidentified aerial phenomena remain uncertain, the stories of military aircraft engaging with UAPs continue to captivate the public imagination and prompt further investigation into this enigmatic phenomenon.
