Ministry of Defence File: Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) Reports, 1986-1987

This document is a compilation of reports regarding Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) received by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence between late 1986 and 1987. The file contains numerous individual 'Report of an Unidentified Flying Object' forms and military telex communications documenting sightings reported by members of the public, police officers, and air traffic control personnel across the UK. The reports describe a wide variety of phenomena, including bright lights, spherical or cigar-shaped objects, and objects exhibiting unusual movement patterns, such as hovering or rapid acceleration. Many reports include details regarding the observer's location, the time of the sighting, meteorological conditions, and whether the object was observed with the naked eye or optical aids like binoculars or telescopes. Several reports note that the sightings were investigated by local police or air traffic control units before being forwarded to the Ministry of Defence. The file reflects the standard administrative process for handling such reports, with many entries including distribution lists to various RAF units and intelligence branches. The documents are marked as 'RESTRICTED/UNCLASSIFIED' and contain various stamps indicating their processing through the Ministry of Defence's 'Sec (AS) 2' division. The file serves as a historical record of the volume and nature of UFO reports received by the British government during this period.