RAAF UFO Investigation Policy (1972)

Summary

In 1972, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) updated its policy for investigating unidentified flying object (UFO) reports. The main goal was to streamline the process and eliminate redundant efforts between bases and units. The RAAF was responsible for investigating all UFO sightings in Australia and its territories, with a focus on assessing whether these phenomena posed a threat to national security. Additionally, identifying the cause of UFO reports was primarily intended to address public interest and curiosity.

The procedure included a detailed questionnaire to gather information from witnesses, and a responsible officer was assigned to initiate the investigation. If the location of the sighting was remote or direct investigation impractical, the questionnaire was sent to the reporter for completion. Investigation findings were sent to the Department of Air, with information copies to the relevant commands. Only information from official annexes could be released to the public, and requests for public speaking on UFOs were denied, with only the annexes provided.