2022 Annual Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena

This 2022 Annual Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), issued by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), provides a comprehensive update on the U.S. government's efforts to track and analyze UAP. As of 30 August 2022, the total number of catalogued UAP reports reached 510. This figure includes the 144 reports previously identified in the 2021 preliminary assessment, 247 new reports, and 119 reports that were discovered or reported after the initial assessment's cutoff date. The report highlights the establishment of the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) on 20 July 2022, which serves as the primary Department of Defense focal point for UAP matters. AARO replaces the former Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) and is tasked with synchronizing collection, reporting, and analysis across the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community. The document notes that the increase in reporting is attributed to both a reduction in the stigma associated with reporting UAP and a heightened awareness of potential safety and security threats. Initial analysis of the 366 new reports indicates that more than half exhibit unremarkable characteristics, with 26 identified as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), 163 as balloon-like entities, and 6 attributed to clutter. However, 171 reports remain uncharacterized and unattributed, with some demonstrating unusual flight characteristics that require further investigation. The report emphasizes that UAP pose a persistent safety of flight hazard and a potential adversary collection threat. While there have been no confirmed collisions between U.S. aircraft and UAP, nor any confirmed adverse health effects on observers, AARO remains committed to tracking these issues. The report concludes by outlining the legislative requirements under the FY 2022 NDAA, which mandate annual reporting to Congress and the development of a whole-of-government approach to UAP resolution, involving interagency partners such as the FAA, NASA, and the Department of Energy.