The Office of the Director of National Intelligence report (an executive summary) revealed that authorities were unable to identify 144 UAP reports and admits the unidentified objects are a threat to the U.S. national security.
UAPs are a threat – and they are probably real, physical objects the military is unable to identify
The report notes that in the past, the limited amount of “high-quality reporting on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) hampers our ability to draw firm conclusions about the nature or intent of UAP.” Thus a rigorous process was put into place to ensure sufficient data was collected for analysis. The reports reviewed were dated between 2004 and 2021 – reports that followed the military’s new reporting process. The majority of reports occurred in 2020 and 2021.
Although the possibility of sensor malfunction could be attributed to the UAP sighting, the report admits that “most of the UAPs reported probably do represent physical objects given that a majority of UAPs were registered across multiple sensors, to include radar, infrared, electro-optical, weapon seekers, and visual observation.”
A UAPTF official had previously admitted that the team believed the objects being spotted were real, physical objects.
“We absolutely do believe what we’re seeing are not simply sensor artifacts. These are things that physically exist.”
More than half the reports involved observation with multiple sensors. The report also noted that their focus was on reports generated from systems “we considered to be reliable”. Also noted was the UAP objects almost always interrupted pre-planned training or other military activity.
Most UAP sightings probably go unreported
The report freely admitted that many observations probably go unreported because of reputational risk. This “stigma” was recognized as “disparagement associated with observing UAPs, reporting it, or attempting to discuss it with colleagues”. The report believes these stigmas have lessened as members of the military engage on the topic seriously.
Common characteristics of the UAPs
The report states there was some “clustering” of UAP observations regarding shape, size, and particularly, propulsion. Most sightings tended to cluster around U.S. miliatary training and testing grounds. This may be attributed to increased attention in the area or because of easier observation usngg the latest-generation sensors.
In many of the incidents, observers reported unusual UAP movements and flight characteristics. These movements and acceleration characteristics were similar in multiple reports: objects moving without observable propulsion or with rapid acceleration that is believed to be beyond the capabilities of Russia, China or other terrestrial nations. The report stated, “We are conducting further analysis to determine if breakthrough technologies were demonstrated.”
Some of the reported UAPs remained stationary in strong winds, some moved abruptly or at considerable speed – all without “discernable means of propulsion”. In some instances, military systems were able to process radio frequency (RF) energy associated with the sighting. This likely refers to an active emission from the object which would preclude any sort of illusory effect.
One interesting mention has gone unnoticed in the general press. The report notes that “The UAPTF holds a small amount of data that appear to show UAPs demonstrating acceleration or a degree of signature management“. Signature management is the military term for camouflage. In other words, some of the UAPs attempted to purposely hide their signature from observers using some sort of cloaking or stealth technology.
Still, UAPs demonstrate an array of unusual aerial behaviors
Despite the noted similarities, many UAPs “demonstrated an array of aerial behaviors” leading the military to conclude the there may be multiple types of UAPs being sighted.
The report will likely accelerate military attempts to identify UAPs
Given the UAPs have been classified as a “threat” to national security, a likely result of the report will be the addition of various sensors to standard military aircraft. Current sensors are designed to fulfill specific purposes and missions and may not be suitable for identifying UAPs. The report concludes that the military must widen the scope of its work to include additional data collected from UAP events.
Furthermore, incident reporting will be standardized across all U.S. military services and “other government agencies to ensure all relevant data is captured”. The military has already begun receiving data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The UAP Task Force (UAPTF) is also looking into ways to collect UAP data when U.S. military forces are not present as a way to baseline “standard” UAP activity. This may involve AI algorithms continually running against nationwide radar data, searching for UAP signatures.
In addition, immediately after the report was released, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby released an official statement to the media. It noted that “Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks today directed the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security to develop a plan to formalize the mission currently performed by the UAPTF.” You can read the full statement below.
What did we learn from the report?
Unfortunately, this “interim” version of the report is exactly what I predicted. The nine-page, document essentially declines to draw conclusions, claiming available data is “largely inconclusive”. The military will update Congress within 90 days but even then, they will likely only report on their efforts to develop improved collection strategies.
Did the report help UAP research at all?
Many are disappointed that there were no earth-shattering revelations in the official government report. As we predicted, the report was purposely vague because, quite simply, the U.S. government has no idea was UAPs are other than some sort of physical object that is a threat to national security until it is identified.
Regardless, the single biggest benefit from the report is this: Reporting UAP/UFOs will be scientifically and socially acceptable and will no longer classify a person as a “kook”. That in itself is huge.
Additional information
Backstory
The report was made public because of a provision inserted by Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, into a huge spending bill passed by Congress.
Official Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena report
The report, written by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and titled Preliminary Assessment: Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, was dated June 25, 2021. View the full report below.
Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Assessment
Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Assessment:
Today the Director of National Intelligence delivered to Congress a preliminary assessment on unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and the progress that the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense UAP Task Force has made in understanding this threat.
Analyzing UAP is a collaborative effort involving many departments and agencies, and the Department thanks the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for leading a collaborative effort to produce this assessment, as well as the other contributing departments and agencies.
Incursions into our training ranges and designated airspace pose safety of flight and operations security concerns, and may pose national security challenges. DOD takes reports of incursions – by any aerial object, identified or unidentified – very seriously, and investigates each one.
The report submitted today highlights the challenges associated with assessing UAP occurring on or near DOD training ranges and installations. The report also identified the need to make improvements in processes, policies, technologies, and training to improve our ability to understand UAP.
To that end, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks today directed the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security to develop a plan to formalize the mission currently performed by the UAPTF.
This plan will be developed in coordination with various DOD components, including the military departments and the combatant commands, and with ODNI and other interagency partners. The plan will establish procedures for synchronizing collection, reporting and analysis of UAP; provide recommendations for securing military test and training ranges; and identify requirements for the establishment and operation of a new follow-on DOD activity to lead the effort, including its alignment, resources, staffing, authorities, and a timeline for implementation.
