FOIA release DF-2021-00275: Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena

(U) UAP THREATEN FLIGHT SAFETY AND, POSSIBLY, NATIONAL
SECURITY
(U) UAP pose a hazard to safety of flight and could pose a broader danger if some instances
represent sophisticated collection against U.S. military activities by a foreign government or
demonstrate a breakthrough aerospace technology by a potential adversary.
(U) Ongoing Airspace Concerns
We have documented flight safety concerns and
When aviators encounter
safety hazards, they are required to report these concerns. Depending on the location, volume,
and behavior of hazards during incursions on ranges, pilots may cease their tests and/or training
and land their aircraft, as well as a deterrent effect on
reporting.
In a pilot briefly observed
However, a
 (U) The UAPTF has 11 reports of documented instances in which pilots reported near
misses with a UAP.
(U) Potential National Security Challenges
(U) We currently lack data to determine any UAP are part of a foreign collection program or
indicative of a major technological advancement by a potential adversary. We continue to
monitor for evidence of such programs given the counterintelligence threat they would pose,
particularly as some UAP have been detected near military facilities or by aircraft carrying the
USG’s most advanced sensor systems.(b)(1)(b)(3)(b)(1)(b)(3)(b)(1)(b)(3)(b)(1)(b)(3)(b)(1)(b)(3)(b)(1)(b)(3)(b)(3)(b)(3)(b)(3)(b)(3)(b)(1)(b)(3)Approved for release by ODNI on 03-24-2022, FOIA case DF-2021-00275Approved for release by ODNI on 03-24-2022, FOIA case DF-2021-00275