Pentagon’s AARO developing ‘Gremlin’ to aid personnel in real-time UAP data collection
The Pentagon’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) is adding efforts to improve the military’s ability to understand and react to unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), commonly known as UFOs. In a press briefing on Saturday, Tim Phillips, the acting head of AARO, introduced the Gremlin System, an advanced surveillance capability designed to swiftly collect data and respond to UAP sightings in real-time.
Phillips, who succeeded AARO’s inaugural director Sean Kirkpatrick last year, shared that the Gremlin System is made up of portable kits equipped with sensors. These kits were developed in collaboration with government laboratories such as the Department of Energy and Georgia Tech. Stored in easy-to-transport Pelican cases, they come with a versatile sensor setup capable of comprehensive data gathering in different settings.
The Gremlin System is currently being put to the test in field trials at a significant location in Texas. It’s being evaluated against a range of targets, both known, like drones, and unknown objects. Phillips highlighted the vital importance of understanding and differentiating potential threats, especially in restricted airspace or areas critical to national infrastructure.
The Gremlin System initiative comes amidst a surge in public interest and fascination regarding UFO encounters.
In the last month, they closed about 122 cases that had been reported to AARO, according to Phillips. “68% of those cases we assessed to be some form of what I call ‘AARO garbage’ – balloons, trash that’s up there in the atmosphere that our advanced sensors were able to detect,” he said.
With whistleblowers speaking out and years of speculation adding to the mystery, there’s a growing curiosity surrounding these aerial phenomena. And AARO’s role goes beyond mere data collection; they say they’re dedicated to transparency.
“We’re hoping that the more transparent, the more that we can declassify and post to our site is going to demystify this topic,” the acting AARO chief noted.
They don’t just gather information; they thoroughly analyze and openly report on resolved cases, making their findings accessible to the public via their website. It’s a significant stride towards demystifying a subject that has long fascinated and perplexed many.
They approximately receive between 90 and 100 to 110 a month from the operating forces. And, to date, the 18-month-old office has assessed about 1,200 cases associated with the military services. Resolved cases are posted and reflected on the office’s public website, according to the report.
Another major congressional requirement for the office is the creation of a two-volume report on the U.S. government’s involvement with UAP. The Volume I of AARO’s report, spanning from 1945 to October 2023, explores historical UAP incidents, debunking beliefs in extraterrestrial involvement or government secrecy. However, it also acknowledges unresolved cases, underscoring the ongoing necessity for further investigation and collaboration.
Volume II will include any findings resulting from interviews and research completed from Nov. 1, 2023, to April 5
AARO, as reported by DefenseScoop, is planning to introduce the Gremlin System to Pentagon leadership for potential deployment in areas of military significance or near critical U.S. infrastructure in the event of encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP).
However, it’s important to note that despite the ongoing efforts of AARO and other government agencies, many past and current UAP cases remain unresolved.
