Ovni Presence - No 45

Magazine Overview

Title: OVNI Présence
Issue: No. 45, January 1991
Publisher: SOS-Ovni
Country: France
Language: French
Price: 30 FF / 7.50 FS / 200 FB
ISSN: 0223-0976

This issue of OVNI Présence focuses heavily on the remarkable wave of UFO sightings that swept across Belgium, particularly from November 1989 to July 1990. The cover prominently features a dramatic illustration of a triangular UFO and an exclusive interview with Colonel De Brouwer, a high-ranking officer in the Belgian military.

The Belgian UFO Wave: A Remarkable Phenomenon

The magazine details the unprecedented scale of the Belgian UFO wave, with over 1000 testimonies collected by the SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux) between November 1989 and spring 1990. The article "Les ovnis belges" by Renaud Marhic presents a review of press reports and highlights numerous specific sightings across various Belgian towns and regions, including Eupen, Verviers, Liège, and the Condroz region. These sightings often involved triangular objects with powerful lights, observed at low altitudes and moving silently.

Exclusive Interview with Colonel De Brouwer

A key feature is the interview with Colonel Wilfried De Brouwer, who holds the third-highest position in the Belgian military hierarchy. He expresses his views on the recent events, stating that the observed phenomena could not be attributed to Belgian or foreign military aircraft, nor to the AWACS radar system. This interview is presented as a significant official statement on the wave.

The F-117A Hypothesis

André Dumoulin, a researcher at GRIP (Groupe de recherche et d'information sur la paix), contributes an article exploring the hypothesis that the sightings might be related to the American F-117A stealth fighter. The article details the advanced characteristics of the F-117A, including its unusual shape, low acoustic signature, and advanced stealth technology, suggesting that its unique features could explain some of the witness descriptions. Dumoulin argues that military prototypes and special exercises are still conducted in Europe despite the period of détente, and that pilots need to be trained in various environments, including the European continent.

SOBEPS's Role and Investigations

The magazine highlights the crucial role of SOBEPS in collecting, investigating, and disseminating information about the UFO wave. Michel Bougard, president of SOBEPS, shares his impressions, emphasizing the unusual nature of the sightings and the credibility of the witnesses, including gendarmes. The organization had to expand its operations significantly, recruiting volunteer investigators and establishing a more robust communication system. The article "Vague: impressions..." by Michel Bougard recounts the initial skepticism and the eventual surge of activity within SOBEPS as the wave unfolded.

Official Reactions and Media Coverage

The Belgian Ministry of Defense issued a press release on December 21, 1989, stating that visual sightings did not correlate with radar echoes and suggesting that meteorological phenomena might be responsible. However, subsequent information, including a report shared with SOBEPS, indicated that radar detections did occur and that F-16 fighter jets were dispatched. The media coverage was extensive, with numerous newspapers and television channels reporting on the events, contributing to the public's fascination and leading to organized observation weekends.

The "Identification UFO" Operation

In April 1990, SOBEPS, with the support of the Belgian Air Force, organized an operation called "Identification UFO." This involved setting up observation teams and utilizing media channels to encourage public participation. The operation aimed to systematically track UFO sightings and gather photographic and video evidence. Despite considerable media attention, the operation did not yield definitive results, though it helped to strengthen the credibility of SOBEPS and foster collaboration between ufological, military, and academic circles.

Evolution of the Phenomenon and Data Archiving

The magazine notes that the phenomenon evolved geographically, shifting from eastern Belgium towards the west and then back towards the Meuse valley. SOBEPS accumulated a vast amount of documentation, including witness reports, audio cassettes, and press clippings, which they offer to researchers. The organization emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation and a critical approach to avoid hasty conclusions or the conflation of UFOs with extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for objective investigation and critical analysis of UFO phenomena. It highlights the importance of distinguishing between unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial hypotheses. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, encouraging rigorous research while cautioning against sensationalism and premature conclusions. The magazine aims to provide a platform for detailed reporting, witness accounts, and expert analysis, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex UFO phenomenon.

Title: Ovni-Présence
Issue: 45
Date: January 1991

This issue of Ovni-Présence, a French-language magazine dedicated to UFOs and anomalous phenomena, features a prominent interview with Colonel Wilfried De Brouwer of the Belgian Air Force, discussing the significant UFO sightings and radar detections that occurred in Belgium in March 1990. The magazine also includes articles on historical UFO cases, the work of ufologists, and theoretical discussions on the nature of belief and evidence.

Interview with Colonel Wilfried De Brouwer

The centerpiece of the issue is an extensive interview with Colonel Wilfried De Brouwer, head of Operations at the Belgian Air Force's Air Staff. De Brouwer discusses the Belgian Air Force's official stance on UFOs, emphasizing an open-minded approach that does not exclude any hypothesis, including extraterrestrial origins. He details the events of March 30-31, 1990, when multiple radar contacts and visual sightings of unidentified objects were recorded over Belgium. The objects displayed speeds between 885 and 1277 km/h and exhibited sudden, dramatic accelerations, making them difficult to identify with conventional aircraft.

De Brouwer addresses the hypothesis that the objects might have been F-117A stealth fighters, but dismisses it due to the aircraft's known performance limitations and the lack of any official request for testing in Belgian airspace. He highlights the challenges of radar detection, particularly with objects moving at low speeds or exhibiting non-conventional flight patterns. The Colonel expresses a positive view of the SOBEPS (Société Belge d'Etude des Phénomènes Spatiaux), acknowledging their serious and scientific approach to UFO research and their cooperation with the military.

He also touches upon the difficulties of initiating a formal, inter-ministerial investigation, citing the need for more conclusive evidence and the potential for public and political skepticism. De Brouwer stresses that while many observations can be explained by conventional phenomena like stars or weather patterns, some remain anomalous and warrant further study.

Analysis of the Belgian UFO Wave

An article titled "Exit le F-117A..." analyzes the implications of the official report on the March 1990 events. It argues that the observed phenomena, with their high speeds and accelerations, are incompatible with the capabilities of the F-117A. The author questions the possibility of the Belgian Air Force deliberately falsifying the report and suggests that if the objects were military prototypes, the Pentagon did not inform the Belgian authorities. The article concludes that the phenomenon appears intelligent and reactive to interception attempts, leaving its nature and origin unknown.

Another section, "Vague: interrogations...", delves into the official report prepared by Colonel De Brouwer, noting that it remained classified. It discusses the delayed release of information to the press and the selective release of radar data, suggesting potential hesitation and embarrassment within political and military circles. The article raises questions about whether the UFO phenomenon was being used to cover up secret US military tests.

Historical Cases and Ufology

The issue includes a section on "Observations suisses," detailing various alleged UFO sightings in Switzerland during early 1990. These include reports of luminous objects, rotating lights, and disc-shaped craft, some of which were later identified as misidentifications or hoaxes, while others remained unexplained.

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "L'homme au Livre bleu" (The Man with the Blue Book), a biographical piece on Captain Edward J. Ruppelt, the first director of Project Blue Book. The article highlights Ruppelt's methodical approach to UFO investigation, his role in coining the term "UFO," and his eventual shift towards a more skeptical stance regarding the extraterrestrial hypothesis in his later writings.

Another article, "Alfred Nahon (1911-1990)," pays tribute to a notable figure in French ufology, known for his work in psychology, graphology, and his advocacy for global change. Nahon's approach to ufology was integrated with his broader concerns for peace and societal transformation.

Thematic Discussions

Under the "Impressions" section, several articles explore broader themes related to belief and the study of anomalous phenomena. "Faut-il ne pas croire en la croyance ?" (Should one not believe in belief?) discusses a special issue of the journal "Terrain" that examines various forms of belief, including sorcery, communication with the dead, and UFOs, from an ethnological and sociological perspective. The article emphasizes that "belief" is a complex concept, not simply irrational adherence, and that individuals often have valid reasons for their convictions.

"Impressions: Astronomes, ufologues, extra-terrestres..." reviews a book by astronomers Jean-Claude Ribes and Guy Monnet, "La Vie extraterrestre," which discusses the possibility of extraterrestrial life and addresses the UFO phenomenon. The author notes that the book, while scientifically rigorous, is accessible and acknowledges the UFO topic, suggesting that scientific institutions are beginning to engage with it more openly.

"Impressions: "Une fausse lune ? J'arrive..."" reviews the magazine "Communications" (issue 52), which focuses on contemporary rumors and legends, including UFOs. The article highlights the magazine's diverse perspectives and the inclusion of UFO-related studies.

Finally, "Impressions: Et les soucoupes ?" discusses the work of ufologist Pierre Lagrange, focusing on his investigative methods and his analysis of UFO cases, particularly the Kenneth Arnold sighting. Lagrange's approach is characterized by a detailed examination of witness accounts, associated evidence, and the context of the investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Ovni-Présence revolve around the investigation of unidentified aerial phenomena, the challenges of distinguishing between conventional and anomalous events, and the role of official bodies like the military and scientific institutions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, emphasizing the need for rigorous analysis, evidence-based conclusions, and a willingness to consider all hypotheses, including the extraterrestrial, while remaining cautious and avoiding sensationalism. The magazine actively promotes collaboration between ufologists and official researchers, as seen in the interview with Colonel De Brouwer and the discussion of the SOBEPS.