Here are official repositories and releases journalists can cite directly — plus quick tips for making targeted requests in the UK (FOI) and US (FOIA). Where possible, link and archive the original documents.
United Kingdom — archives & guidance
The National Archives (TNA) — UFO/UAP file series (DEFE 24, AIR 20/…): Overview and curated materials from MoD’s historical files. TNA overview
Tip: for UK requests, keep scope narrow (date ranges, specific offices, keywords). Consider parallel requests to MoD, DfT, DLUHC (planning/radar issues), Met Office (radar/weather), and the UK Space Agency.
US National Archives (NARA) — UAP topic page & bulk downloads: Topic overview UFO/UAP records • Bulk digitised sets downloads
DoD release of Navy UAP videos (context): Official April 2020 publication acknowledged three Navy videos (Nimitz/“FLIR1”, “GIMBAL”, “GOFAST”). Link to the release via Defense.gov or GPO; use C-SPAN/Navy mirrors if needed for playback.
Tip: for US FOIA, identify contracting offices and program elements in testimony/budgets, then target records (task orders, SOWs, contract mods, emails, briefings) by date range.
How to file better requests
Be precise: specify date ranges, subjects, offices, and known custodians; include likely search terms.
Ask for search logs: request the terms used and offices contacted (helps on appeal).
Use appeal/escalation routes: ICO (UK) or OGIS (US) if you hit systemic delays.
Preserve & verify: download original files, record access dates, keep hashes where feasible.
Where this connects next
Pair these repositories with our hearing timelines and scientist pages to build document-first investigations. See Sworn Testimony (2023–2025) and Scientists for direct lines to transcripts, exhibits, and replication pathways.