Ministry of Defence UFO Correspondence and FOI File 2009

This document is a compilation file from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) containing correspondence and administrative records related to Freedom of Information (FOI) requests concerning Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) or UFOs. The file covers the period from early 2009, with references to historical incidents dating back to 1979. The primary focus of the correspondence is the MoD's response to public inquiries regarding specific incidents, such as the Rendlesham Forest incident of 1980 and the Cosford incident of 1993. The MoD consistently maintains that its role is limited to assessing whether reported sightings pose a defence significance or indicate a breach of UK airspace by hostile or unauthorised aircraft. The documents clarify that the MoD does not possess expertise in 'UFO/flying saucer' matters and has no evidence to support the existence of extraterrestrial life. Much of the correspondence involves the MoD explaining its ongoing programme to transfer approximately 160 UFO files to The National Archives, a process intended to make records from 1979 to 2007 available to the public. The MoD frequently cites Section 22 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which allows for the withholding of information intended for future publication, to justify not releasing full files immediately. The file also includes internal discussions regarding the role of former MoD employee Nick Pope, with the MoD clarifying that his specific 'UFO Desk' job description no longer exists. Additionally, the file contains numerous individual sighting reports submitted by members of the public, which the MoD processes and logs, often noting that they do not warrant further investigation. The administrative nature of the file is highlighted by the inclusion of 'Registered File Disposal Forms' and internal emails regarding the costs and procedures for redacting and preparing files for public release.