Ministry of Defence: Reports of Unidentified Flying Objects (1983-1985)

This document is a comprehensive compilation of reports concerning Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) received by the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence between 1983 and 1985. The file contains numerous individual 'Report of an Unidentified Flying Object' forms, as well as signal messages (telexes) from various police constabularies and Royal Air Force (RAF) stations across the UK. The reports detail sightings from a wide range of observers, including members of the public, police officers, and aviation professionals. Common descriptions of the objects include bright lights, spherical or cigar-shaped forms, and unusual maneuvers such as hovering, rapid acceleration, or erratic movement. Many reports note the presence of multiple colors, such as red, green, and white lights. The documentation process involved local police or military units receiving the initial report, which was then forwarded to the Ministry of Defence for review. The file reflects the standard operating procedures of the time, with many reports being circulated to departments such as Sec(AS)2, AEW/GE, and DI 55. While some reports were attributed to known phenomena like aircraft, satellites, or meteorological events, many remained unidentified. The file provides a snapshot of the public and official response to aerial phenomena in the UK during the mid-1980s, highlighting the role of local police and military air traffic control in documenting these events.