Skywatcher Technologies Corporation, founded in 2025 by U.S. Air Force veteran Jake Barber and technologist James Fowler, operates as a private UAP detection and analysis startup.
Barber, 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.
Fowler leads technical development, assembling a team of former intelligence, aerospace, and data science professionals to pursue independent investigation of UAP phenomena.1
Sensor Platform and Methodology
Skywatcher deploys a multi-sensor fusion system engineered to capture UAP events across electro-optical, infrared, radar, and passive RF domains.
The 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.
Data 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.
The team claims to have catalogued at least nine distinct UAP classes, with sensor data from over 15 encounters since 2024.1
Whistleblower Claims and Experiments
Barber 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.
He 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.
The 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
East Coast Drone Wave and Government Engagement
During 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 that plagued Navy destroyers in 2019–2020.
The Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) confirmed an active investigation into Barber's claims, and Skywatcher has shared its data and conducted demonstrations for AARO's director, Dr. Sean Kirkpatrick.
Congressional staff, including those of then-Senator Marco Rubio, received private briefings from Barber to address gaps in lawmakers' understanding of UAP incidents.
Despite official explanations attributing the drone wave to FAA-authorized research flights, Skywatcher disputes the sufficiency of these accounts based on their sensor data.3
Technology and External Collaboration
Skywatcher's detection suite is comparable to advanced commercial counter-UAS systems, but distinguished by its integration of airborne pursuit and multi-modal analysis.
The organization has sought validation from academic and industry experts, including Stanford's Garry 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.
Public and Expert Reaction
Barber'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.
Supporters 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.4
Chronology
Skywatcher Launches Field Operations and Sensor Platform
2024
Skywatcher initiates monthly UAP field operations, develops its multi-sensor detection platform, and conducts a psionic summoning experiment.
East Coast Drone Wave Investigation
Nov 2024–Jan 2025
Skywatcher investigates the East Coast drone wave, collecting data and sharing findings with AARO and Congressional staff.
Barber's NewsNation Interview
Jan 2025
Barber appears on NewsNation, revealing whistleblower claims and presenting select sensor footage to the public.
AARO Investigation and Ongoing Operations
Feb–Jun 2025
AARO continues its investigation into Skywatcher's claims, while Skywatcher maintains field operations and prepares for further data releases.