Ministry of Defence Correspondence and FOI Records Regarding UFO Sightings (2001-2007)

This document is a collection of correspondence, internal minutes, and Freedom of Information (FOI) records maintained by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Directorate of Air Staff (DAS) between 2001 and 2007. The file primarily documents the MoD's responses to public and parliamentary inquiries regarding Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) or UFOs. A significant portion of the file is dedicated to the 1980 Rendlesham Forest incident, with extensive correspondence between Admiral of the Fleet Lord Hill-Norton and various MoD ministers, including Baroness Symons and Lord Bach. Lord Hill-Norton persistently challenged the MoD's official stance that the Rendlesham incident held no defence significance, citing new evidence such as audio recordings and claims of missing records from Hollesley Prison. The MoD consistently maintained that its records from the time showed no breach of UK air defences and that no further investigation was warranted. The file also contains records of FOI requests from members of the public regarding specific sightings, such as a January 2007 incident involving USAF F-15 aircraft, and general inquiries about MoD policy on UFOs. The MoD's standard response to these inquiries was that it does not have expertise in UFO matters, does not investigate them unless there is evidence of a threat to UK airspace, and that resources are not available for comprehensive research. The document also includes internal administrative procedures for handling parliamentary questions and FOI requests, emphasizing the need for prompt responses and adherence to the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. The file reflects the transition of the MoD's UFO reporting process during the early 2000s, including the impact of the Freedom of Information Act.