{"type":"organizations","slug":"skywatcher","title":"Skywatcher","url":"https://disclosdex.com/organizations/skywatcher","description":"Private sensor network co-founded by Jake Barber to call in and record UAP with multi-sensor arrays","date":"2025-01-01T00:00:00.000Z","tags":["Research"],"updated":"2025-06-13T13:26:43.000Z","connectionCount":5,"content":{"markdown":"![Skywatcher](https://framerusercontent.com/images/5TpuHonDSX7bzFP9LOFzkCbbF0.png)\n\nSkywatcher Technologies Corporation, founded in 2025 by U.S. Air Force veteran [Jake Barber](/people/jake-barber) and technologist James Fowler, operates as a private UAP detection and analysis startup.\n\nBarber, whose official record lists him as an aircraft maintenance specialist, claims covert assignments with an unnamed agency, a narrative partially supported by interviews with former Special Operations colleagues.\n\n<Video url=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VN3omlVqxk\" />\n\nFowler leads technical development, assembling a team of former intelligence, aerospace, and data science professionals to pursue independent investigation of UAP phenomena.[^1]\n\n## Sensor Platform and Methodology\n\nSkywatcher deploys a multi-sensor fusion system engineered to capture UAP events across electro-optical, infrared, radar, and passive RF domains.\n\nThe platform integrates high-zoom EO cameras, mid- and short-wave IR imagers, mobile radar (including helicopter-mounted units), and spectrum analysis tools to detect anomalous emissions and electronic interference.\n\nData from these sensors is synchronized and processed through an AI-driven analysis suite, correlating visual, thermal, RF, and radar signatures to flag high-confidence UAP events.\n\nThe team claims to have catalogued at least nine distinct UAP classes, with sensor data from over 15 encounters since 2024.[^1]\n\n## Whistleblower Claims and Experiments\n\nBarber asserts direct involvement in secret UAP retrieval operations, including recovery of a 20-foot egg-shaped craft and an octagonal disc, both exhibiting non-human characteristics.\n\nHe describes telepathic experiences during retrievals, interpreting some UAP as sentient. In August 2024, Skywatcher conducted a field experiment with self-described psionic asset James Hodgkins, who attempted to summon a UAP.\n\nThe team claims to have recorded an aerial dogfight between two unknown craft, with multi-modal sensor data supporting the event. These accounts, while supported by some veterans, remain unverified by independent analysts.[^2]\n\n## East Coast Drone Wave and Government Engagement\n\nDuring the East Coast drone incursions of late 2024, Skywatcher deployed sensors in New Jersey and New York, collecting data on car-sized aerial objects exhibiting advanced maneuvers. Analysts compared these sightings to the [U.S. UFO Wave](/events/2019-2020-us-ufo-wave) that plagued Navy destroyers in 2019–2020.\n\nThe Pentagon's [All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO)](/programs/aaro) confirmed an active investigation into Barber's claims,[^2] and Skywatcher has shared its data and conducted demonstrations for AARO's director, [Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick](/people/sean-kirkpatrick).\n\nCongressional staff, including those of then-Senator Marco Rubio, received private briefings from Barber to address gaps in lawmakers' understanding of UAP incidents.\n\nDespite official explanations attributing the drone wave to FAA-authorized research flights, Skywatcher disputes the sufficiency of these accounts based on their sensor data.[^4]\n\n## Technology and External Collaboration\n\nSkywatcher's detection suite is comparable to advanced commercial counter-UAS systems, but distinguished by its integration of airborne pursuit and multi-modal analysis.\n\nThe organization has sought validation from academic and industry experts, including Stanford's [Garry Nolan](/people/gary-nolan) and AI researcher Matthew Pines. No patents have been filed, and the company remains in early R&D mode, focusing on proof-of-concept demonstrations and potential applications in broader aerospace defense.\n\n## Public and Expert Reaction\n\nBarber's testimony has polarized the UAP community. NewsNation and Liberation Times have covered his claims sympathetically, while mainstream outlets and online forums scrutinize his military record and the authenticity of Skywatcher's evidence.\n\nSupporters cite Barber's specificity and willingness to testify under oath; skeptics demand harder evidence and question the provenance of sensor data and videos. As of mid-2025, AARO's investigation is ongoing, and Skywatcher continues to release select data while promising a comprehensive report.[^3]\n\n## Chronology\n\n**Skywatcher Launches Field Operations and Sensor Platform**  \n_2024_  \nSkywatcher initiates monthly UAP field operations, develops its multi-sensor detection platform, and conducts a psionic summoning experiment.\n\n**East Coast Drone Wave Investigation**  \n_Nov 2024–Jan 2025_  \nSkywatcher investigates the East Coast drone wave, collecting data and sharing findings with [AARO](/programs/aaro) and Congressional staff.\n\n**Barber's NewsNation Interview**  \n_Jan 2025_  \nBarber appears on NewsNation, revealing whistleblower claims and presenting select sensor footage to the public.\n\n**AARO Investigation and Ongoing Operations**  \n_Feb–Jun 2025_  \n[AARO](/programs/aaro) continues its investigation into Skywatcher's claims, while Skywatcher maintains field operations and prepares for further data releases.\n\n[^1]: https://skywatcher.ai/research/bright-star\n\n[^2]: https://www.liberationtimes.com/home/pentagon-confirms-investigation-into-ufo-whistleblower-jake-barbers-allegations\n\n[^3]: https://www.facebook.com/NewsNationNow/videos/pentagon-investigates-ufo-whistle-blowers-claims-newsnation-prime/652941717177937/#:~:text=Pentagon%20investigates%20UFO%20whistle,the%20government%20recover%20UFO%20technology\n\n[^4]: https://abcnews.go.com/US/new-jersey-drone-mystery/story?id=116719847#:~:text=This%20image%20taken%20from%20video,4%2C%202024","readingTime":"4 min read"},"relatedRecords":[{"ref":{"type":"programs","slug":"aaro","title":"All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO)","url":"https://disclosdex.com/programs/aaro"},"direction":"outbound","weight":3},{"ref":{"type":"people","slug":"sean-kirkpatrick","title":"Sean Kirkpatrick","url":"https://disclosdex.com/people/sean-kirkpatrick"},"direction":"outbound","weight":1},{"ref":{"type":"events","slug":"2019-2020-us-ufo-wave","title":"U.S. UFO Wave","url":"https://disclosdex.com/events/2019-2020-us-ufo-wave"},"direction":"outbound","weight":1},{"ref":{"type":"people","slug":"jake-barber","title":"Jake Barber","url":"https://disclosdex.com/people/jake-barber"},"direction":"outbound","weight":1},{"ref":{"type":"people","slug":"gary-nolan","title":"Garry Nolan","url":"https://disclosdex.com/people/gary-nolan"},"direction":"outbound","weight":1}],"citation":{"canonicalUrl":"https://disclosdex.com/organizations/skywatcher","title":"Skywatcher","publisher":"Disclosdex","retrievedFrom":"https://disclosdex.com/api/v1/organizations/skywatcher","license":"CC-BY-4.0"}}