What is the UAPTF?
The Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force (UAPTF) was established by the United States Department of the Navy to investigate reports of unidentified aerial phenomena encountered by military aviators.
Formally announced in August 2020, the UAPTF represents the Pentagon's official effort to study and understand these mysterious encounters that have been reported by Navy pilots and other military personnel.
Mission
The UAPTF's primary mission is to detect, analyze, catalog, and standardize reporting on unidentified aerial phenomena to better understand potential threats to U.S. national security.
History
The task force evolved from the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP) and represents the most recent official U.S. government effort to study UAPs.
Key Findings
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144 UAP reports from military personnel (2004-2021):
- 80 reports involved multiple sensors
- 18 incidents showed unusual flight characteristics
- 11 near-misses with military aircraft
- Only 1 was explained (large balloon)
- Most reports remain unexplained
- No evidence of extraterrestrial origin found
- Potential flight safety concerns identified