National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) sets out what the Department of Defense (DOD) can spend money on and do during fiscal year 2022. It covers a wide range of topics, from weapons programs and military construction to cybersecurity and foreign assistance. It was signed into law on December 27, 2021, becoming Public Law 117-81.

What is the UAP section and what does it do?

Section 1683 is the most notable UAP provision in this law. It ordered the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence to set up a new office within 180 days. That office took over the duties of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Task Force, which was then shut down. The new office is responsible for collecting, reporting, and analyzing UAP incidents across the DOD and the intelligence community.

The law defines UAP broadly. It covers airborne objects that are not immediately identifiable, objects that move between space and the atmosphere, and submerged objects that show unusual behavior.

What must the new UAP office actually do?

The office has a long list of duties. It must build a central database of UAP reports. It must look at whether UAP incidents are linked to foreign governments or other actors. It must assess the threat UAP pose to the United States. It must also coordinate with other agencies like the FAA, NASA, and the Department of Homeland Security, and with U.S. allies.

The office must also develop a science plan. That plan is meant to test theories about UAP that show performance beyond what current science or technology can explain, including in areas like propulsion and power generation.

What reporting does Congress require?

The law requires annual reports to Congress from October 31, 2022 through October 31, 2026. Each report must cover UAP events from the prior year, threat assessments, any signs a foreign government may have achieved a breakthrough in aerospace, and health effects on people who encountered UAP. Reports must also cover UAP incidents near nuclear weapons, nuclear-powered ships, and nuclear power plants.

On top of annual reports, the office must give classified briefings to key congressional committees at least every six months until December 31, 2026.

What else does the law cover beyond UAP?

The law is very broad. It addresses nuclear weapons programs, missile defense systems, military construction projects, cybersecurity, space launch contracts, and foreign assistance programs. It also authorizes cooperative threat reduction funds, sets limits on the F-35 aircraft program, and establishes new pilot programs for technology and telecommunications on military bases.