SPANISH AIR FORCE UFO FILES: THE SECRET'S END

This document, presented at a MUFON symposium, provides a detailed historical account of the Spanish Air Force's involvement with the UFO phenomenon from 1962 to 1992. Authored by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos, the paper chronicles the evolution of official policy, starting from the initial secrecy surrounding sightings to the eventual declassification of files. The author highlights the role of key military figures, such as Lt. General Ramon Fernandez Sequeiros and Lt. General Alfredo Chamorro Chapinal, in facilitating a more open approach to UFO reports. The text details various specific incidents, including radar contacts, pilot sightings, and the impact of meteorological balloons and military missile tests on public perception. It also discusses the establishment of formal investigation procedures, such as Circular Number 9266-CT, and the subsequent challenges in managing public and media interest. The author emphasizes the importance of civilian-military cooperation and the ongoing efforts to make historical UFO records accessible to researchers. The document includes appendices with case lists, radar overlays, and copies of official correspondence, illustrating the bureaucratic and investigative processes employed by the Spanish military.