The Pentagon’s Allied Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) has reported progress on a new electronic surveillance system known as Gremlin. This system is designed to collect real-time data on unusual events, including sightings that have been traditionally described as unidentified phenomena. The update was provided by Tim Phillips, the Acting Director of AARO, and reflected in a briefing that emphasized ongoing efforts to monitor and assess phenomena that fall outside conventional categories of threats or occurrences.
Officials describe Gremlin as a compact sensor suite capable of scanning space across multiple spectral bands. Beyond its ability to detect established threats such as missiles or unmanned aircraft, the system is being positioned as a tool to investigate anomalies and monitor potentially advanced technologies under development in other nations. The aim is to build a clearer picture of unusual events as they arise, supporting a more informed and methodical approach to assessment and response.
Phillips indicated that multidisciplinary teams are contributing to the project. Researchers affiliated with the Georgia Institute of Technology, alongside scientists from energy laboratories within the U.S. Department of Energy, are involved in refining the sensors and interpreting the data they produce. Their collaboration underscores a broader effort to apply rigorous engineering and scientific methods to sensor development and anomaly evaluation.
At present, Gremlin units are undergoing testing at a military facility in Texas, the location of which has not been disclosed publicly. The testing phase focuses on validating sensor performance, data integration, and the ability to distinguish between ordinary environmental signals and potential indicators that warrant closer scrutiny.
Phillips stressed that the sensors have robust detection capabilities that extend beyond the obvious. They can identify natural phenomena such as bat and bird activity and can capture measurements related to solar activity and objects in Earth’s orbit. These data points help researchers separate commonplace occurrences from signals that might indicate a need for deeper analysis or further study.
“What we are starting to understand is what is actually orbiting our planet and how we can rule out false positives,” the department head stated. The goal is to reduce ambiguity by applying systematic verification methods and cross-checking observations with established scientific models, thereby improving confidence in any eventual conclusions about anomalous events.
The Allied Anomaly Resolution Office was established at the Pentagon about a year and a half ago to review and investigate reports of unidentified flying objects and other unexplained events. Collectively, these reports are referred to as unknown anomalous phenomena. The office’s mandate includes evaluating evidence, coordinating with other agencies, and maintaining a clear trail of findings that inform public understanding and policy considerations.
In its earlier assessments, AARO has released statements noting that, to date, no conclusive evidence of extraterrestrial beings or technologies has been documented on Earth. While many reports have described unusual observations, the office has concluded that those cases typically have ordinary explanations after careful analysis. This ongoing work reflects a commitment to transparency while prioritizing methodological rigor in the evaluation of reported anomalies.