The Department of Defense's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), tasked with investigating Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), has finally received full funding in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. This achievement follows years of effort by senators like Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
AARO's mission encompasses investigating UAP sightings, enhancing data sharing between the DoD and the Intelligence Community, addressing national security implications, and examining potential health effects related to UAP encounters. The office is mandated to provide regular briefings and reports to Congress.
This development comes amidst a significant increase in reported UAP sightings. A report from the Director of National Intelligence revealed a surge in such sightings over the past two years, with over 366 new reports submitted to AARO. Securing consistent funding for the office had been a challenge until this recent breakthrough.
While the office was initially established in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Agreement, it lacked sufficient funding to operate effectively. Sen. Gillibrand, along with other senators, advocated for increased funding, emphasizing its importance for national security, particularly in light of rising geopolitical tensions and incidents like the Chinese spy balloon.
