Office of the Secretary of Defense: 01_2023_Annual_Report

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B. Operations and Collections Division
During the period of reporting, AARO, in close collaboration with the Joint Staff and
other DoD components, further normalized UAP operations, led development of reporting
standards; informed acquisition of mission-specific sensors; and guided integration of UAP
detection, identification, and mitigation efforts. Improving the quality of data from DoD sources
is important, since up to this point, most UAP cases have been derived from DoD mission reports
and are representative of observations in the Department’s operating, training, and testing areas.
C. Science and Technology Division
In accordance with the FY 2022 NDAA, Section 1683(g), as amended by the FY 2023
NDAA, Section 6802, AARO has established a multilayered science and technology (S&T) plan
that incorporates close partnerships with DoD Services, USG agencies, and other centers of
excellence to identify systems that may assist in AARO’s mission to detect, track, and
characterize UAP. This plan includes a sensor calibration campaign to measure known objects
that are often reported as UAP. These objects include balloons (hobbyist and commercial),
unmanned aircraft systems, and natural phenomena. The resulting data are turned into models
for use in pilot training and algorithm development. AARO and its mission partners have
developed models of known and unknown shapes that can be used within a simulator for sensor
operators. This modelling will help AARO increase its analysis and resolution of future cases as
well.
D. Strategic Communications Division
AARO successfully exercised its process for declassifying data and full-motion videos of
UAP events for an open congressional hearing held on 21 March 2023. This process is a
complicated, synchronized effort that involves various stakeholders and information owners with
differing processes. AARO is working to standardize and routinize this declassification process
to ensure as much transparency as possible.
AARO has launched a public-facing website that shares information about its mission,
operations, UAP analytic trends and statistics, and declassified UAP data and footage. The
website will also link to AARO’s secure mechanism for authorized reporting of UAP.
AARO has established classified collaboration mechanisms to encourage cooperation on
UAP investigation and research among government agencies.01
Page determined to be Unclassified
Reviewed by Chief of Staff, AARO
IAW FY24 NDAA, Section 1841(a)(1)(C)
Date: 1/23/2025