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“Open/Closed: Hearing To receive testimony on the activities of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office”

Senate Committee on Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities

November 19, 2024 (recording linked here)

HEARING INFORMATION

Witnesses and Written Testimony (linked):

• Dr. Jon T. Kosloski: Director of the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO)

HEARING HIGHLIGHTS

IN THEIR WORDS

SUMMARY OF OPENING STATEMENTS FROM THE SUBCOMMITTEE

• Chairwoman Gillibrand emphasized the importance of investigating Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP) and reducing the stigma surrounding such reports to ensure credible research and reporting. She acknowledged AARO’s recent public documents, including its annual and historical reports, which highlight challenges like limited sensor data and the need to revisit unresolved cases. Chairwoman Gillibrand also expressed interest in UAS threats, UAP case resolutions such as the "Go Fast" incident, and improving transparency by sharing findings with the public and Congress. She urged individuals with firsthand knowledge of unreported programs to come forward and concluded by emphasizing AARO’s critical role in addressing these issues.

• Ranking Member Ernst emphasized the importance of identifying UAPs and understanding their implications for national security and scientific research. She posed critical questions about whether UAPs represent advanced technologies from adversaries like China or Russia or unknown phenomena that challenge current scientific understanding. Ernst stressed the need for interagency cooperation, advanced technology, and robust data frameworks to detect, track, and respond to UAPs.

SUMMARY OF WITNESS STATEMENT

• Dr. Kosloski outlined AARO’s progress in data collection, sensor development, stigma reduction, and public engagement through tools like its website, which features UAP imagery and case resolutions. He stated that AARO holds over 1,600 UAP reports, most of which are resolved as ordinary objects, though a small percentage remain anomalous and require scientific investigation. Dr. Kosloski stressed AARO’s priorities: building partnerships, promoting transparency, and scaling operations, all while maintaining scientific rigor and safeguarding national security.

  He detailed AARO's efforts to declassify UAP information, emphasizing the balance between public disclosure and protecting sensitive methods. He announced plans to expand data acquisition and develop organic sensor capabilities to address domain awareness gaps. Highlighting recent case studies, he explained resolutions for notable incidents, such as the "Go Fast" case, which was determined to be a parallax illusion, and a Mediterranean UAP case resolved through pixel-by-pixel analysis. While some cases remain unexplained, he assured that AARO is committed to transparency and ongoing engagement with Congress and the public.

SUMMARY OF Q and A

• Chairwoman Gillibrand asked Dr. Jon T. Kosloski about encouraging individuals with firsthand knowledge of unreported UAP programs to come forward. Dr. Kosloski responded that Congress has uniquely empowered AARO to access all UAP-related information and has taken steps to build trust by reaching out to past witnesses and their intermediaries. He noted progress with some witnesses feeling more comfortable sharing information and encouraged others to report through the AARO website.

  Chairwoman Gillibrand inquired about cases in AARO’s "active archive" and what might prompt reopening them. Dr. Kosloski explained that active archive cases lack sufficient data for resolution but can be revisited when new information correlates with existing cases. He shared examples, including one involving a large orange orb and another of a stationary metallic cylinder, highlighting the anomalies and their investigative significance.

• Ranking Member Ernst asked about AARO’s collaborations with academia and balancing transparency with the risks of disclosing classified defense information. Dr. Kosloski acknowledged limited academic collaboration due to classification issues but emphasized efforts to declassify data to enable broader engagement. He stated that transparency is crucial but must be balanced against safeguarding sensitive information, often separating anomalous activity details from classified collection methods.

  Ranking Member Ernst further asked what actions should be taken regarding UAPs. Dr. Kosloski stressed reducing stigma around UAP reporting, enhancing domain awareness, and ensuring persistent monitoring to prevent potential adversarial exploitation of UAP incidents near critical national security facilities.

• Chairwoman Gillibrand questioned how AARO could assist with reviewing UAS incursions, such as those at Langley. Dr. Kosloski explained that AARO’s expertise in baseline environmental experiments and advanced sensor technologies could enhance detection and tracking. He highlighted overlapping sensor requirements between UAP and UAS missions, which may yield shared best practices and technological advancements.

  Chairwoman Gillibrand asked about AARO’s public reporting mechanism and feedback for individuals who report UAPs. Dr. Kosloski outlined a system where individuals can submit reports via a downloadable form and email, emphasizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. He admitted that feedback to reporters is currently informal but noted plans for a case management system to automate updates while protecting confidentiality.

  Chairwoman Gillibrand concluded by asking if AARO required additional support from the Senate. Dr. Kosloski expressed gratitude for the office’s authorities and resources, requesting continued Senate advocacy, particularly to encourage witnesses to come forward and share information critical to investigating historic and ongoing UAP-related programs.

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