Overview
In July 2022, the U.S. Department of Defense established the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), creating a permanent organisation responsible for investigating Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) across all operational domains.
Unlike previous investigative bodies, AARO was designed to examine reports involving not only objects in the air but also anomalous phenomena observed in space, maritime environments, and, where appropriate, transmedium objects capable of moving between different operational domains.
The establishment of AARO represented the most comprehensive restructuring of the U.S. government's UAP investigation programme since the beginning of the modern disclosure era in 2017.
Background
The creation of AARO followed several years of expanding congressional oversight and institutional reform.
The Department of Defense had previously established:
- The Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) in 2020.
- The Airborne Object Identification and Management Synchronization Group (AOIMSG) in November 2021.
While AOIMSG improved coordination within the Department, members of Congress argued that a broader office with greater authority and statutory responsibilities was needed to investigate reports occurring across multiple operational environments.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 directed the Department of Defense to strengthen its investigative capabilities and improve coordination with the Intelligence Community.
Establishment of AARO
On 20 July 2022, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks formally directed the establishment of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO).
The office was placed under the authority of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, working in coordination with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
AARO was tasked with:
- Investigating reports of unidentified anomalous phenomena.
- Collecting and analysing data from military and intelligence sources.
- Coordinating investigations across the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.
- Assessing potential threats to national security.
- Supporting congressional reporting requirements.
- Developing standardised reporting and analytical procedures.
The office's responsibilities extended beyond airborne objects to include anomalous observations occurring in space, maritime environments and transmedium settings.
Public and Government Response
The creation of AARO was welcomed by many members of Congress as an important step toward improving government transparency and institutional coordination.
Officials stated that the office would focus on scientific analysis, intelligence collection and aviation safety while avoiding speculation regarding the origins of reported phenomena.
The establishment of AARO also reflected the government's increasing recognition that unidentified anomalous phenomena should be investigated using consistent analytical methods and shared intelligence resources.
In subsequent years, AARO would publish annual reports, historical reviews and public case analyses while providing classified briefings to Congress.
Historical Significance
The establishment of AARO marked the beginning of the most comprehensive U.S. government programme dedicated to investigating unidentified anomalous phenomena.
Its significance includes:
- Replacement of AOIMSG with a permanent investigative office.
- Expansion of investigations beyond airborne objects to all operational domains.
- Greater coordination between the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.
- Enhanced congressional oversight and statutory reporting requirements.
- Creation of the organisation that continues to lead official U.S. government UAP investigations.
AARO remains the principal office responsible for coordinating federal investigations into unidentified anomalous phenomena and represents the culmination of the institutional reforms that began following the 2017 New York Times disclosure.