The Australian Department of Defence recently released a paper documenting their position and activity related to UFOs.
The Australian government, through the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), has taken a measured approach to the topic of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), also known as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). While the RAAF does not currently have a specific policy governing the reporting or recording of UAP by the public or Defence members, it has addressed the issue in the past and continues to monitor developments in the field.
Historical Handling of UAP Reports
From 1947 to 1996, the RAAF was responsible for handling UAP reports in Australia. However, in 1996, the Air Force ceased the handling of these reports after determining that there was no scientific or other compelling reason to continue devoting resources to the recording and investigation of UAP. The decision was based on the conclusion that UAP did not pose a threat to national security and that there was no evidence to suggest that UAP represented technological developments or principles beyond the range of modern scientific knowledge.
Current Stance on UAP
The Australian government’s current position is that Defence does not have a policy governing the reporting or recording of UAP by either members of the public or Defence members. Safety of flight incidents, including those potentially posed by UAP, are handled by the Defence Aviation Safety Authority, while civilian safety of flight incidents are the responsibility of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Under RAAF Aviation Reporting protocols, there have been no records of observations or sightings of unidentified aircraft over the past ten years. Any unidentified aircraft entering military-controlled airspace or posing a safety risk to military aircraft are subject to RAAF Aviation Safety Reporting protocols. Aircrew can report unidentified aircraft to airspace control agencies and report unusual or unexpected activity through Aviation Safety procedures.
Monitoring International Developments
The Australian government is aware of the United States Department of Defense’s All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) and continues to monitor their reports. As of April 19, 2023, the AARO was examining a number of cases but had not found any credible evidence of extraterrestrial activity, off-world technology, or objects that defy the known laws of physics.
The RAAF’s position remains that there is no scientific or other compelling reason to divert resources to the recording and investigation of UAP, aligning resources with the priorities, mission, and objectives of Defence.
Public Reporting of UAP
Historically, if civilians wished to report UAP, they were advised to contact their local police authorities or a civil UFO research organization. The RAAF’s decision to cease handling UAP reports in 1996 was based on the conclusion that there was no scientific or other compelling reason to continue devoting resources to the recording and investigation of these phenomena.
Summary
The Australian government, through the RAAF, has taken a pragmatic approach to the topic of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena. While it no longer actively investigates UAP reports, it continues to monitor international developments and maintains protocols for reporting and addressing potential safety of flight incidents. The government’s stance prioritizes the allocation of resources to align with the priorities, mission, and objectives of Defence.
