The Department of Defense issued an update on April 17, 2026, regarding its handling of UAP-related records as congressional pressure intensified following the missed April 14 deadline for 46 military UAP videos.
AARO’s Statement
The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) stated it is working in close coordination with the White House and across federal agencies to consolidate existing UAP records collections and facilitate the expeditious release of previously unreleased UAP information. AARO did not provide a specific timeline for when the requested 46 videos would be delivered to Congress.
Caseload Growth
AARO’s UAP caseload now exceeds 2,000 reports, an increase of at least 400 cases since late 2024 when the office had received more than 1,600 UAP reports. The growth in reported cases comes as the FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act requires AARO to brief Congress on UAP intercepts conducted by NORTHCOM and NORAD since 2004.
Congressional Requirements
The FY 2026 NDAA mandates that information on security classification guides governing UAP-related reporting and investigations appear in AARO’s 2026 annual report. The legislation also directs the AARO director to supply Congress with briefings and data regarding the number, location, and nature of any UAP intercepts.
Disclosure Executive Order
The Pentagon’s update comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in February 2026 that the department would be in “full compliance” with President Trump’s executive order directing federal agencies to identify and release government files related to UFOs and extraterrestrial life.