No evidence of aliens but 'very anomalous objects' remain: Pentagon
What's the story
Jon Kosloski, the director of the Pentagon's All-Domain Anomaly Research Office (AARO), has said that there is no "verifiable evidence of extraterrestrial beings, activity or technology." He made the statement while testifying before a Senate Armed Services subcommittee on Tuesday. Kosloski stressed that most reports received by his office were not unusual, but a small number required significant resources for investigation.
Information gathering
AARO's commitment to transparency and partnership
Kosloski stressed the need for AARO to increase the volume, quality, and diversity of data it collects and analyzes. He encouraged people who have witnessed unidentified objects to report them without fear of stigma associated with UAP (unidentified anomalous phenomena) reporting. The director also expressed his office's dedication to fostering collaborations both within and outside the government sector.
Investigation stance
AARO maintains open-minded approach to UAP investigations
Kosloski clarified that while his office hasn't found any concrete proof of extraterrestrial beings or technology, it remains open to all potential explanations for UAP. He made the statement during a hearing after testimonies about unexplained objects violating US airspace and covert programs to recover and study downed craft. Last Wednesday, journalist Michael Shellenberger testified that sources had informed him that intelligence communities possess high-resolution photos and videos of UAPs, far surpassing the quality of declassified imagery.
Declassification process
AARO's stance on declassification and public access to UFO information
Kosloski clarified that AARO doesn't have the sole authority to declassify materials, and some evidence remains classified due to the method of acquisition, not the content it reveals. Since its inception in 2022, the Pentagon has supervised AARO and launched a website in 2023 for public access to declassified UFO information. Despite releasing several reports on various UFO sightings, all concluded there's no evidence suggesting these unexplained sightings are of extraterrestrial origin.
Report findings
AARO's latest report analyzes over 700 UAP reports
In its latest report, AARO examined 757 reports of UAP between May 1, 2023, and June 1, 2024. Kosloski admitted that some "very anomalous objects" need careful study but no link to extraterrestrial life has been established. He also updated his office's work since last year's report to Congress and testimony in a similar setting.