Ministry of Defence UFO Sighting Reports File D/DAS/64/2

This document is a collection of correspondence and internal records from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Directorate of Air Staff, specifically regarding UFO sighting reports received between July and September 2008. The file, referenced as D/DAS/64/2, contains numerous standard responses sent to members of the public who reported unidentified aerial phenomena. The MOD's consistent policy, as articulated in these letters, is that it does not investigate UFOs or extraterrestrial life. Its sole interest in such reports is to determine if there is any evidence of a potential threat to the United Kingdom from an external source or if UK airspace has been compromised by hostile or unauthorized aircraft. The documents reveal that the MOD routinely informs correspondents that it has no expertise in 'UFO/flying saucer' matters and remains open-minded but has no evidence to substantiate the existence of such phenomena. The file also includes specific internal discussions regarding a high-profile incident at Tern Hill Barracks in June 2008, where soldiers reported seeing lights in the sky and recorded video footage. This incident gained media attention, particularly in 'The Sun' newspaper. Internal communications show the MOD's concern regarding the soldiers' unauthorized engagement with the media, the potential for the story to be misrepresented, and the need to manage the situation through the chain of command. There are also references to the 'PRIDE project' and coordination with other agencies like NATS and various police forces. The correspondence highlights the administrative burden of handling these public inquiries and the MOD's efforts to redirect or dismiss them as not falling within their remit of providing an aerial identification service. The file serves as a record of the MOD's administrative handling of public UFO reports during this period, emphasizing a policy of non-engagement with the subject matter unless a clear defense threat is identified.