Branchoria UFOs and UAP by Country UFOs and UAP by Country

Compare sightings, records, and explanations across UN member countries.

Within Uruguay

How Uruguay's Air Force Investigates UFO Reports

Uruguay's Air Force has investigated UFO reports since 1979, usually resolving them through flight, radar, weather and astronomy checks.

38 sources 3 graphics

On this page

  • Why the Air Force created its UFO commission
  • How witnesses, radar and flight data are checked
  • What an unresolved classification actually means
Preview for How Uruguay's Air Force Investigates UFO Reports

Introduction

Uruguay is one of the few countries that has maintained a continuous official process for investigating reports of unidentified flying objects for more than four decades. Rather than treating UFO reports as entertainment or automatically dismissing them, the Uruguayan Air Force examines each report as a potential issue affecting national airspace. The emphasis is on identifying what was actually observed—not on proving or disproving extraterrestrial life. Most reports are ultimately explained through conventional causes such as aircraft, satellites, astronomical objects or atmospheric conditions. A small proportion remain officially unresolved, but that classification simply means investigators could not reach a definitive identification using the available evidence, not that an extraordinary explanation has been confirmed.[com.uy]elobservador.com.uyEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIsEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIs

Official Inquiries illustration 1

Why the Air Force created its UFO commission

Uruguay’s official investigative body is the Commission for the Reception and Investigation of Reports of Unidentified Flying Objects (CRIDOVNI), established within the Uruguayan Air Force in August 1979. Unlike many government UFO programmes that operated briefly or remained largely secret, CRIDOVNI has continued functioning for decades under the Air Force’s responsibility for monitoring national airspace. Its original purpose was practical: numerous reports were reaching military authorities during the 1970s, and they required a structured process for determining whether unidentified aerial observations represented aircraft, security concerns or ordinary natural phenomena.[UFO]ufo.com.brUFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFOUFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFO

The commission’s mandate reflects aviation safety rather than belief in extraordinary explanations. Any object that cannot immediately be identified could, in principle, represent:

  • an aircraft operating without proper identification;
  • an aviation safety issue;
  • an atmospheric or astronomical phenomenon;
  • a technical or observational error; or
  • a genuinely unidentified event requiring additional investigation.

This operational perspective distinguishes CRIDOVNI from civilian UFO organisations, whose primary interest is often the broader mystery of unusual aerial phenomena. The Air Force instead begins with questions relevant to airspace management and national security.[El Observador]elobservador.com.uyEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIsEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIs

How reports are investigated

CRIDOVNI follows a structured investigative process intended to eliminate conventional explanations before considering a case unresolved. Although individual cases differ, the investigation typically combines several independent sources of information rather than relying solely on witness testimony.[UFO]ufo.com.brUFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFOUFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFO

Witness interviews come first

Investigators begin by documenting exactly what observers reported, including:

  • precise location and time;
  • direction of observation;
  • weather conditions;
  • apparent movement;
  • estimated altitude and duration;
  • colour, brightness and sound;
  • whether multiple independent witnesses observed the same event.

Interviewing witnesses separately helps identify points of agreement and areas where memory or perception may differ. Investigators also visit observation sites when useful to reconstruct viewing angles and possible visual obstructions.[com.uy]elpais.com.uyFebruary 16, 2023…Published: February 16, 2023

The Alien of Montevideo

Channel: Rare Earth

Open on YouTube

Radar, flight and scientific data are checked

Witness accounts alone rarely determine a conclusion. Investigators compare reports against independent data sources, including:

  • civil and military radar records;
  • known aircraft movements;
  • airport activity;
  • astronomical observations;
  • satellite trajectories;
  • meteorological information;
  • available photographs and video recordings.

This cross-checking is designed to eliminate conventional explanations systematically. For example, objects initially appearing mysterious may later correspond with scheduled aircraft, bright planets, satellite trains or unusual atmospheric conditions.[com.uy]elobservador.com.uyEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIsEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIs

The commission has also worked with specialists outside the military—including astronomers, meteorologists, aviation professionals and experienced civilian investigators—reflecting an effort to evaluate sightings from multiple technical perspectives rather than through a single discipline.[UFO]ufo.com.brUFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFOUFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFO

Official Inquiries illustration 2

What “unresolved” actually means

One of the most misunderstood aspects of Uruguay’s system is its use of the term “unidentified.”

CRIDOVNI has repeatedly stated that an unresolved case does not demonstrate extraterrestrial technology. Instead, it indicates that the available evidence was insufficient to identify the object confidently after standard investigative procedures had been completed.[El Observador]elobservador.com.uyEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIsEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIs

Officials have indicated publicly that only a small percentage—often cited as roughly 3–4%—remain classified as “non-conventional” or unexplained after investigation. Even these cases remain descriptive rather than explanatory: investigators acknowledge that they do not know what produced the observation, not that they have established an extraordinary cause.[EL PAIS]elpais.com.uyOpen source on com.uy.

This distinction is central to understanding Uruguay’s approach. The commission separates three different questions:

  • Was something genuinely observed?
  • Can it be identified using available evidence?
  • Does lack of identification imply an extraordinary explanation?

Only the first two questions fall within its formal investigative role.

UFO Truths Exposed | UFOs: Investigating the Unknown MEGA Episode | National Geographic

Channel: National Geographic

Open on YouTube

The 2023 Paysandú investigation as a modern example

The investigation into unusual flashing lights near Termas de Almirón in the department of Paysandú illustrates how the commission operates in practice.

After numerous independent witnesses reported similar observations, CRIDOVNI dispatched investigators to the area rather than relying exclusively on written reports. The team interviewed witnesses, mapped observation locations, examined photographs and videos, and compared the reports with radar information and other aviation records.[com.uy]elobservador.com.uyOpen source on com.uy.

Officials stressed throughout the investigation that no conclusion would be reached until all conventional explanations had been evaluated. They acknowledged that the event displayed an unusually high level of reported consistency among witnesses but emphasised that an investigation must proceed through evidence rather than speculation.[El Observador]elobservador.com.uyOpen source on com.uy.

The episode also demonstrated another characteristic of Uruguay’s system: investigators publicly communicate when inquiries are under way, making the existence of an investigation visible even before conclusions have been reached.

Why many reports are eventually explained

Public attention naturally focuses on unresolved cases, but CRIDOVNI’s work more commonly involves identifying ordinary phenomena.

Modern examples include widespread reports generated by SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. Following numerous public sightings, the commission issued explanations identifying the satellite train as the source of many reports, illustrating how new technologies continually create fresh opportunities for misidentification.[El Observador]elobservador.com.uyOpen source on com.uy.

Other frequently encountered explanations include:

  • commercial or military aircraft;
  • planets such as Venus observed under unusual atmospheric conditions;
  • meteors or re-entering space debris;
  • weather balloons;
  • atmospheric optical effects;
  • incomplete or low-quality photographic evidence.

Because many reports occur at night and involve brief observations without supporting measurements, investigators often face genuine evidential limitations even when no extraordinary phenomenon is involved.[El Observador]elobservador.com.uyEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIsEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIs

Official Inquiries illustration 3

Transparency, archives and public access

Compared with many historical military UFO programmes, Uruguay’s commission has been relatively open about its existence, investigative procedures and general findings. Officials have given interviews describing their methods, while members of the public have sought access to historical records through Uruguay’s public information laws. A 2020 decision by the national access-to-information authority addressed a request for UFO-related documents after the Air Force initially failed to respond, reinforcing that such records fall within Uruguay’s broader transparency framework.[Gub.uy]gub.uyJuly 10, 2020…Published: July 10, 2020

At the same time, transparency has practical limits. Individual investigations may involve aviation information, witness privacy or operational data that are not immediately released. Consequently, the public usually receives summaries of methods and conclusions rather than complete investigative files.

What makes Uruguay’s approach distinctive

Uruguay’s official investigations stand out less because they claim extraordinary discoveries than because they have institutionalised a cautious investigative process over many years.

Several characteristics distinguish the programme:

  • Continuity: CRIDOVNI has operated since 1979, making it one of the longest-running official UFO investigation bodies in Latin America.[UFO]ufo.com.brUFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFOUFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFO
  • Operational focus: Cases are treated primarily as questions of airspace identification and aviation safety rather than paranormal investigation.[El Observador]elobservador.com.uyEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIsEl Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIs
  • Evidence-first methodology: Witness testimony is routinely checked against radar, flight records, astronomy and meteorology before any case remains unresolved.[UFO]ufo.com.brUFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFOUFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFO
  • Measured public communication: Officials openly acknowledge that some cases remain unexplained while consistently avoiding claims that unidentified automatically means extraterrestrial.[EL PAIS]elpais.com.uyOpen source on com.uy.

Within the broader study of Uruguay’s UFO history, CRIDOVNI therefore represents a governance model rather than evidence for any particular explanation of the phenomenon. Its greatest contribution is demonstrating how official institutions can investigate unusual aerial reports systematically, documenting both the many cases that yield ordinary explanations and the smaller number that remain unresolved because the available evidence does not support a definitive identification.

Ariel Sánchez, presidente de CRIDOVNI "De 980 casos, entre 3 y 4% son denominados no convencionales"

Channel: Sarandi690

Open on YouTube

Amazon book picks

Further Reading

Books and field guides related to How Uruguay's Air Force Investigates UFO Reports. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.

Browse more on Amazon: UFOs and Government: A Historical Inquiry UFOs: Generals, Pilots, and Government Officials Go on the Record The UFO Enigma

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

eBay marketplace picks

Marketplace Samples

Live-tested eBay searches with available results related to this page.

UsingUSA

Selected fromUFO poster oneBay.co.uk.

Browse more oneBay.co.uk

Example items shown for inspiration; availability and pricing can change. Branchoria may earn a commission if you purchase through outbound eBay links.

Endnotes

1. Source: elpais.com.uy
Link:https://www.elpais.com.uy/que-pasa/con-dos-computadoras-y-sin-cobrar-sueldo-asi-trabajan-los-cinco-uruguayos-que-investigan-los-ovnis

2. Source: elpais.com.uy
Link:https://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/sociedad/cridovni-sobre-fenomeno-en-paysandu-puede-llegar-a-ser-de-origen-desconocido

Source snippet

February 16, 2023...

Published: February 16, 2023

3. Source: elpais.com.uy
Link:https://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/sociedad/investigadores-de-la-fuerza-aerea-ya-trabajan-en-paysandu-tras-avistamiento-de-luces-extranas

4. Source: gub.uy
Link:https://www.gub.uy/unidad-acceso-informacion-publica/institucional/normativa/resolucion-n-16020-sobre-entrega-informacion-informacion-reservada

Source snippet

July 10, 2020...

Published: July 10, 2020

5. Source: elobservador.com.uy
Title: El Observador Cómo funciona el “Área 51” de Uruguay ante las denuncias por OVNIs
Link:https://www.elobservador.com.uy/nota/como-funciona-el-area-51-de-uruguay-ante-las-denuncias-por-ovnis-201241115390

6. Source: ufo.com.br
Title: UFOA história da Ufologia Oficial no Uruguai – Revista UFO
Link:https://ufo.com.br/a-historia-da-ufologia-oficial-no-uruguai/

7. Source: elobservador.com.uy
Link:https://www.elobservador.com.uy/nota/ovni-en-uruguay-fuerza-aerea-investiga-luces-intermitentes-en-paysandu-202321214352

8. Source: elobservador.com.uy
Link:https://www.elobservador.com.uy/nota/ovni-en-uruguay-fuerza-aerea-recibio-mas-de-100-denuncias-de-un-fenomeno-con-un-nivel-de-extraneza-interesante–2023216163925/amp

9. Source: elpais.com.uy
Link:https://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/sociedad/que-eran-las-luces-que-se-vieron-en-el-cielo-de-uruguay-la-explicacion-de-la-comision-que-investiga-ovnis

10. Source: elpais.com
Link:https://elpais.com/internacional/2018/05/07/mundo_global/1525697917_687511.html

11. Source: ufo.com.br
Title: o uruguai e um dos poucos paises que admite pesquisar os ufos oficialmente
Link:https://ufo.com.br/o-uruguai-e-um-dos-poucos-paises-que-admite-pesquisar-os-ufos-oficialmente/

12. Source: ufo.com.br
Title: no uruguai militares pesquisam ufos ha mais de tres decadas e sem segredos
Link:https://ufo.com.br/no-uruguai-militares-pesquisam-ufos-ha-mais-de-tres-decadas-e-sem-segredos/

13. Source: elpais.com.uy
Title: Fuerza Aérea de EE.UU. se lleva cohete
Link:https://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/fuerza-aerea-de-ee-uu-se-lleva-cohete

14. Source: elpais.com.uy
Title: 50 años de archivos X en Uruguay
Link:https://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/50-anos-de-archivos-x-en-uruguay

15. Source: ufo.com.br
Title: a forca aerea do uruguai pesquisa objetos voadores oficialmente
Link:https://ufo.com.br/a-forca-aerea-do-uruguai-pesquisa-objetos-voadores-oficialmente/

16. Source: ufo.com.br
Title: Militares aproximam-se de ufólogos e estudam parceria
Link:https://ufo.com.br/militares-aproximam-se-de-ufologos-e-estudam-parceria/

17. Source: elobservador.com.uy
Link:https://www.elobservador.com.uy/nota/objetos-voladores-vistos-en-durazno-eran-aviones–201241115150/amp

Additional References

18. Source: prensa-latina.cu
Title: Uruguay desmiente reportes de ovnis pero mantiene vigilancia
Link:https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2026/02/17/uruguay-desmiente-reportes-de-ovnis-pero-mantiene-vigilancia/

Source snippet

Noticias Prensa LatinaFebruary 17, 2026 — URUGUAY DESMIENTE REPORTES DE OVNIS PERO MANTIENE VIGILANCIA Montevideo, 17 feb (Prensa Latina)...

Published: February 17, 2026

19. Source: youtube.com
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1ZaMcvbW38

Source snippet

United States, China, and Brazil report sightings of unidentified flying objects...

20. Source: youtube.com
Title: United States, China, and Brazil report sightings of unidentified flying objects
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClGID_P3fIs

Source snippet

Good day Uruguay - UFO sightings in Uruguay in March 2018...

Published: March 2018

21. Source: youtube.com
Title: Good day Uruguay
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uQDw0hmYsY

Source snippet

UFOs: Investigating the Unknown MEGA Episode | National Geographic...

Published: March 2018

22. Source: nsa.gov
Link:https://www.nsa.gov/Helpful-Links/NSA-FOIA/Frequently-Requested-Information/Unidentified-Flying-Objects-UFOs/

23. Source: youtube.com
Title: The Alien of Montevideo
Link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLJs9G8wcBQ

Source snippet

Ariel Sánchez, president of CRIDOVNI: "Of 980 cases, between 3 and 4% are classified as unconventional..."...

24. Source: cadenadelmar.uy
Link:https://cadenadelmar.uy/nacional/cnel-ariel-sanchez-sobre-fenomenos-aereos-en-uruguay-manejamos-entre-un-3-y-un-4-de-casos-no-convencionales-que-superan-la-tecnologia-que-conocemos-17066

25. Source: montevideo.com.uy
Link:https://www.montevideo.com.uy/Ciencia-y-Tecnologia/Congreso-de-ufologia-en-Montevideo-uc124443

26. Source: elmegafono.uy
Link:https://elmegafono.uy/cridovni-recibio-25-reportes-por-luces-en-el-cielo-y-confirmo-que-eran-satelites/

27. Source: ufomagazines.com
Link:https://www.ufomagazines.com/inexplicata-scott-corrales-inexplicata-12/