The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) organization responsible for coordinating how the department collects, analyzes, and reports information related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP).
AARO was created to bring consistency and oversight to UAP-related work across the defense enterprise, including establishing processes for receiving reports and ensuring relevant stakeholders can review and assess them.
In this context, “UAP” refers to observed events that cannot be immediately identified and that may be detected by military personnel, sensors, or other reporting channels. The term is used instead of “UFO” in many U.S. government settings to emphasize a broad range of anomalous observations, not a conclusion about origin.
“All-domain” means the office’s scope is not limited to the air. It covers potential anomalies observed across domains such as air, sea, space, and other operational environments where DoD operates and gathers data.
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What is the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), and when was it established?
The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is a U.S. Department of Defense office established in 2022 to coordinate DoD efforts related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). For official background and updates, refer to the DoD announcement establishing AARO and the official AARO website: Aaro.
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What does AARO do for UAP investigations and reporting?
AARO’s role is to support coordinated UAP investigation and reporting within the Department of Defense. In practical terms, that includes helping standardize how reports are received, how information is shared across relevant DoD components, and how assessments are organized and communicated through official channels. The official AARO website provides its mission and public-facing outputs: Aaro.
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What does “all-domain” mean in AARO’s name?
“All-domain” indicates the scope is intended to cover UAP-related observations across multiple environments, not just the air. That can include sightings or detections in domains such as air, maritime, and space, as well as other operational contexts where DoD systems and personnel may encounter anomalous events.
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Is AARO part of the U.S. government’s official UAP investigation and reporting?
Yes. AARO is an official DoD office involved in UAP investigation and reporting. Public information released by AARO and DoD may include official reports, briefings, press statements, and other updates intended for public consumption, while some underlying data, sources, methods, or case details may remain classified for national security reasons. For official releases, use the AARO site and DoD public communications channels, including Aaro.
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If I’m following UFO/UAP news in 2025 or 2026, what should I look for to tell official updates from rumors?
Verify claims using primary government sources rather than social media summaries or anonymous posts. Practical checks include: (1) DoD press releases and statements on official DoD channels (typically on .mil domains, such as defense.gov); (2) the official AARO website and its posted reports/updates (Aaro); (3) congressional hearing materials and transcripts hosted on official government domains (for example, congress.gov or official committee websites); and (4) statements or documents that can be traced to a named agency office and an authenticated .mil or .gov source. Treat screenshots, “leaks,” and reposted clips as unverified until you can match them to an original .mil/.gov posting or an officially published transcript or report.
