Rising U.S. military reports on unidentified aerial phenomena and weather-related events
Since 2021, reports about unidentified aerial objects and unusual weather-related events encountered by the United States military have increased. An intelligence assessment released recently details a notable uptick in documented encounters, highlighting the government’s ongoing effort to account for airborne phenomena within its operations and safety protocols. (ODNI report, August 2022)
Over a period of just under two years, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence compiled 247 reports from U.S. military personnel describing encounters with unidentified objects or weather-related events. This figure points to a concentrated set of incidents that defense and intelligence agencies review to determine whether any threat to national security or public safety exists. (ODNI report, August 2022)
Conversely, the ODNI noted 119 additional matches of this type that had not been reported before 2021. This suggests that past observations are being brought to light as records are revisited and analysts compare historical data with newer sightings. The result is an evolving capability to recognize patterns and assess potential risks more effectively. (ODNI report, August 2022)
By August 2022, the government’s official tally reflected 510 sightings or encounters. About half of these objects or phenomena were classified as having ordinary features within the Pentagon’s framework, indicating that not every incident points to extraordinary or unknown capabilities. (ODNI report, August 2022)
The assessment breaks down the encounters by type, noting that 26 were attributed to drones, 163 to balloons, and six to land-based phenomena or other conventional explanations. This mix of aerial technologies and atmospheric events underscores the ongoing need for careful investigation to determine origins, purposes, and implications for airspace safety. (ODNI report, August 2022)
Pat Ryeder, the Pentagon press secretary, emphasized safety as the top priority for personnel and for protecting U.S. operations in relation to the findings. He described safety considerations as the primary concern and stressed a careful, methodical approach to every report. (Press briefing, Pentagon, August 2022)
The authorities take seriously any activity in designated areas, whether on land, at sea, or in airspace, and examine each report to determine if a threat exists or if a plausible explanation can be found that preserves national security and safety. The process involves thorough review, data collection, and collaborative analysis across multiple agencies to ensure accurate assessments. (ODNI report, August 2022)
This new assessment arrives less than a month after the Pentagon stated there were no confirmed signs of alien life in the encounter described as an unidentified object or weather-related event. The clarification underscores that most sightings require careful, evidence-based review before any broad conclusions are drawn. (Pentagon briefing, August 2022)
Earlier, in July of the previous year, the Pentagon announced the creation of an office dedicated to overseeing the collection, processing, and analysis of any encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena or similar events. The office coordinates information, standardizes reporting practices, and advances understanding across the defense community while maintaining transparency with the public where appropriate. (Pentagon Office, July 2021)