AARO

The office brought military reports of unexplained incidents into a single Defense Department reporting process.

The office operates under the authority of the Deputy Secretary of Defense and coordinates with intelligence agencies, military services, and other government departments to collect and analyze UAP reports from military personnel and government sources. AARO’s mandate includes both national security assessments and scientific investigation of anomalous phenomena.

Sean Kirkpatrick served as AARO’s first director, bringing experience from previous roles in defense intelligence and scientific research. The office maintains databases of UAP sightings and incidents, applying both classified and unclassified analysis methodologies to evaluate potential explanations.

AARO publishes regular reports to Congress detailing UAP investigations, statistical analysis of reported incidents, and assessments of potential national security implications. Its public reports summarize findings and the limitations of the available evidence.

The office has investigated hundreds of UAP reports, categorizing incidents as either resolved through conventional explanations (weather phenomena, known aircraft, sensor malfunctions) or requiring further investigation. Some reports lack enough information for a determination.

AARO’s establishment reflects growing Congressional and public interest in government transparency regarding UAP investigations, following decades of limited official acknowledgment of these research programs.