Directive regarding observation and reporting of light phenomena

This document is a secret military directive issued by the Swedish Defence Staff (Försvarsstaben) on September 2, 1946, addressed to the Military Commander of the First Military District. The directive notes that over the preceding months, light phenomena had been observed over Swedish territory, which the military suspected might be related to experiments with remote-controlled weapons. In light of upcoming 1946 air force exercises, the directive establishes strict protocols for the observation and reporting of these phenomena to ensure they can be tracked without hindering military training. Units are ordered to maintain 24-hour observation and reporting services as personnel and material resources allow. The document provides specific instructions for reporting, including the need to estimate the time of the sighting within 10 seconds, the duration of the event, the direction using sighting instruments, and the flight path (noting if it was straight or zigzag/curved). Observers are also instructed to describe the appearance, color of the light or smoke, and any 'bursts of fire' (eldstötar). Furthermore, any associated sounds—such as noise, bangs, or hissing—must be recorded, along with the time elapsed between the visual sighting and the auditory perception. The ultimate goal of these observations is to determine the altitude, speed, and course of the objects. Finally, the directive mandates that, where possible, fighter units should be placed on alert to intercept potential rocket projectiles, subject to further orders from the Chief of the Air Force.