Ministry of Defence UFO FOI Request File DIDAS/64/6

This document is a compilation of correspondence and administrative records from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) Directorate of Air Staff, specifically concerning Freedom of Information (FOI) requests related to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) or UFOs. The file, referenced as DIDAS/64/6, covers the period from late 2008 and includes various inquiries from the public regarding specific sightings, the MoD's role in investigating UFOs, and the status of historical files. A significant portion of the file details an Airprox incident (055/08) involving a police helicopter near Birmingham on 2 May 2008. In this incident, the helicopter crew reported observing unidentified blue/green lights circling their aircraft. Despite extensive investigations by the UK Airprox Board, which included checking radar data, contacting model flying associations, and reviewing military flight logs, the source of the lights could not be identified. The board concluded that the incident involved an apparent conflict with an unidentified aircraft displaying non-standard lights, but they were unable to determine the nature of the object or the degree of risk. Other correspondence within the file addresses public requests for information on the Rendlesham Forest incident, the Cosford incident, and general inquiries about MoD policy on UFOs. The MoD consistently maintains that it has no expertise or role in 'UFO/flying saucer' matters, and that its only interest is in determining whether reported sightings pose a threat to the United Kingdom's airspace or national security. The MoD also outlines its ongoing programme to transfer historical UFO files to The National Archives, noting that files up to 1992 are generally available for public viewing. The document also includes administrative forms, such as 'Registered File Disposal Forms' and 'Authorisation for the Release of Information' sheets, which document the internal processing and redaction of these FOI requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, specifically citing exemptions such as Section 40 (Personal Information) and Section 21 (Information reasonably accessible by other means).