Comprehensive Annual Report on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena for the Fiscal Year

Key Chapter Title List

1. Executive Summary
2. Report Scope
3. Report Overview
4. Analysis and Findings Overview
5. Collaboration, Roles, Responsibilities, and Reporting Mechanisms
6. All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) Program Update
7. Future Outlook
8. Glossary

Document Introduction

This report is prepared by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in accordance with the requirements of Title 50, Section 3373(k) of the United States Code. It serves as the authoritative annual comprehensive assessment of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). The report's core covers UAP reports from May 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024, while also incorporating historical cases from 2021-2022 not included in previous reports, thereby establishing a comprehensive and coherent foundation for data analysis.

During this reporting period, the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) received a total of 757 UAP reports. Of these, 485 pertain to events occurring within the reporting period, and 272 are historical legacy cases. In terms of domain distribution, 708 reports originated from the air domain, 49 from the space domain, with no related reports from the maritime or trans-medium domains. The sources of reports are diverse; the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contributed 392 reports dating back to 2021, making it a significant data contributor.

The report conducts its evaluation through a multi-dimensional analytical framework, covering core topics such as UAP morphological characteristics, operational altitude, geographic distribution, and trends in common object identification. Regarding case resolution, AARO has closed 118 cases within the reporting period, all confirmed as conventional objects such as balloons, birds, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). An additional 174 cases were similarly categorized as conventional objects, including satellites and aircraft, following final review. Notably, none of the closed cases have confirmed the presence of advanced capabilities from foreign adversaries or breakthrough aerospace technologies, and AARO has found no evidence involving extraterrestrial life, activity, or technology.

The safety impact assessment indicates that during the reporting period, there were 2 military reports involving flight safety and 3 cases of UAP trailing pilots. However, there is currently no evidence linking these activities to foreign adversaries. Eighteen reports involved UAS activity near U.S. nuclear facilities, weapons, and launch sites, with some instances involving prolonged hovering or repeated incursions into protected areas. Furthermore, the report explicitly states that no cases indicate UAP events caused health or physiological effects on observers, and AARO currently has no data regarding the capture or exploitation of UAP.

To enhance UAP detection and analysis capabilities, AARO is advancing several key initiatives. These include optimizing sensor requirements, improving information-sharing processes, expanding collaboration with domestic and international partners, and deploying technical means such as the GREMLIN sensor system. The report emphasizes that data insufficiency remains the primary constraint on current case resolution. Moving forward, efforts will focus on strengthening cross-departmental collaboration and technological innovation to continuously improve all-domain UAP situational awareness and attribution capabilities.