Key facts
- The UK lacks a formal, centralized system for recording or investigating UFO/UAP sightings.
- The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) closed its dedicated UFO desk in 2009 due to budget cuts.
- Former National Crime Agency officer David Jon is calling for a government body to investigate UAPs.
- The US has seen increased government acknowledgement and declassification of UAP-related documents.
- The MoD states that no reported sightings have indicated a direct military threat to the UK.
Unlike the United States, the United Kingdom currently lacks a formal, centralized system for recording or investigating sightings of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs), formerly known as UFOs. This absence has been described as a 'worrying blind spot' by David Jon, a former National Crime Agency officer who believes the UK risks falling behind in understanding potential threats or opportunities linked to UAPs.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) operated a dedicated UFO desk until 2009, when it was shut down largely due to defence budget cuts. Since then, there has been no official mechanism for the public or even trained observers like pilots to report unusual sightings.
Retired pilot Chris Crowther recalls an incident in 1978 where, while approaching Norwich Airport, he saw what he described as a dozen dark objects, possibly the size of footballs, pass his aircraft at high speed. Although he did not report the sighting at the time, his account is among many that remain unexplained.
In contrast, the US government has released declassified documents and heard testimony from military pilots and intelligence officials regarding UAPs, some described as capable of manoeuvres beyond known technology. This increased official acknowledgement has fueled global debate and renewed interest.
David Jon argues that while most sightings can be explained, about 20% cannot, and that the UK has had many incidents needing proper investigation. He is calling for the government to establish an independent, accountable body to investigate UAPs and report to Parliament, suggesting closer collaboration with international partners.
Notable UK incidents include the Rendlesham Forest event in 1980, where US Air Force personnel reported strange lights and a landed craft. Nick Pope, who investigated UFOs for the MoD, considered such events a defence and national security issue.
However, the MoD maintains that no reported sightings have indicated a direct military threat to the UK. A spokeswoman was unaware of any government point for reporting such sightings, suggesting the public contact the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) if concerned about airspace use. The CAA stated it has no active monitoring of UAPs and that many reported 'UFOs' are actually drones. UFO sceptic Professor Chris French sees no need for an official government agency, believing most sightings lack national security implications or relevance to extraterrestrial contact.