Octavio Moreira Lima

Octávio Júlio Moreira Lima, a Brazilian Air Force Lieutenant General (Brigadier), served as Minister of Aeronautics during the 1980s. In May 1986, he ordered the deployment of five fighter jets to intercept 21 UFOs detected by radar and witnessed across four states, including pilots like Ozires Silva. On May 19, 1986, he held a press conference in Brasília, confirming the events and stating the objects exhibited maneuvers beyond known technology, such as supersonic speeds and sharp turns, with no explanation available. He expressed openness to extraterrestrial possibilities, noting the vast universe. Lima's transparency marked a key moment in official UFO acknowledgment in Brazil, preceding earlier programs like SIOANI (1969-1972).