In the era when the sky is full of drones, satellites and advanced aviation technologies, phenomena known as UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects – Unidentified Flying Objects) – now more often referred to as UAPs (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena – Unknown anomalies) still arouse fascination and controversy. The declassification of documents related to these phenomena by the United States government is a process that has evolved from top-secret investigations in the mid-20th century to increasing openness in recent years.
History of Declassification: From Project Blue Book to Federal Archives
The beginnings of interest in the U.S. government with UFO phenomena date back to the 1940s. In 1947, after a loud incident with pilot Kenneth Arnold, who reported observation of "flying plates" over the Cascade Mountains, the US Air Force began systematic research. This led to the creation of the Project Blue Book – a program that collected over 12 thousand UFO reports in 1947–1969. Most of them were explained as natural phenomena or conventional objects, but about 700 remained unexplained. Documents from this project were largely declassified in the 1970s and are available in the archives of the Air Force.
Other federal agencies also collected data. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) examined UFO reports in 1947–1954, and their documents, available at the FBI Vault, reveal the agency's role in verifying reports, often in the context of fears of national security threats during the Cold War. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has declassified hundreds of documents as part of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), including those concerning foreign reports about UFOs, highlighting the lack of evidence of extraterrestrial origin. The National Security Agency (NSA) has released historical, declassified reports, often in the form of copies that document early observations.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) store these materials in different groups In 2024, under the National Defense Authority Act (NDAA), a special collection of Unidentified Anonymous Phenomena Records Collection (Record Group 615) was created to which federal agencies transmit declassified UAP documents. This process is continuous and records are added on an ongoing basis andmade available online via the NARA directory.
Modern Development: From AATIP to AARO
In the 21st century, UAP's interest grew thanks to programs such as the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), run by the Pentagon from 2007 to 2012. In 2017, the "New York Times" revealed the existence of the program, leading to the publication of films with UAP observations by naval pilots. In 2021, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) published a preliminary report on UAP, stating that most phenomena remain unexplained, but there is no evidence of extraterrestrial technologies.
The key role played by the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), formed in 2022, which coordinates the U.S. government efforts in the UAP study. AARO conducts investigations, analyses reports and promotes transparency, although some reports indicate insufficient data.
Congressional Hearings in 2025: New Testimonies and Calls to Transparency
The year 2025 brought significant events in the process of declassification.In September, the U.S. Congress organised a third UAP hearing since 2023, led by Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets within the House of Representatives Supervisory Committee. Witnesses, including military veterans and UAP eyewitnesses, shared new evidence, including a never-released video showing the interaction of the Hellfire missile with an unknown object. The hearing focused on the need for greater government transparency, stressing that citizens have the right to the truth about the UAP.
Additionally, in the context of Donald Trump's return to the White House, there was speculation about possible declassification of UFO files by the end of 2025. Bets on platforms such as Polymarket show growing interest, although so far no formal order has been issued on this issue.In November 2025, the Prime Minister of the document "The Age of Disclosure" stressed Congress' efforts to seek disclosure.
Meaning of Declassification: Between Science and Security
Declassification of UFO/UAP documents is crucial for science, national security and public trust. It allows you to analyze potential threats, such as advanced technologies of hostile states, and dispels myths of extraterrestrial visits. However, critics point to a slow process and potential concealment of information. As reported in the AARO reports, most UAPs are probably balloons, drones or atmospheric phenomena, but the lack of full transparency gives rise to speculation.
In the future, with the increasing pressure of Congress and federal agencies, we can expect further disclosures. Declassification not only satisfies public curiosity, but also supports global efforts to understand the unknown sky.
