My only question is: Why wouldn't the Pentagon spend money on UFO research?
A UFO, or Unitentified Flying Object, is exactly that- it is something unidentified which is flying, or which appears to be flying, and there are many reasons why it might be deemed necessary to understand exactly what causes the phenomena.
Apart from far-fetched idea that aliens might be visiting us, there are issues of safety. For examples, if the sightings are due to optical illusions, they could have an effect on pilots and their ability to react to certain situations. If there are real objects involved, then obviously, whether they be balloons or meteors, their appearance may be seen as things to be understood so that they are not mistaken for other things, such as enemy aircraft, for example.
Another area which might benefit from an understanding of what UFOs actually are, is defense. If the appearance of UFOs can be copied, it might help in designing missiles or aircraft in such a way as to be difficult for enemy radar to identify.
The Pentagon spent $22 million to study UFOs in a 2007-12 program whose existence has been confirmed by the Department of Defense. An official formerly in charge of the program told media it remains alive to this day.
Source:
https://www.rt.com/usa/413430-pentagon-millions-aliens-research/
(Picture: pixabay.com)