Russia’s GPS Jamming Raises Safety Concerns in Europe

Electronic interference linked to Russia has disrupted flights and navigation across Europe, prompting warnings from officials and aviation experts.

Growing Pattern of Signal Disruption

European officials have reported a surge in GPS jamming incidents attributed to Russia, with nearly 80 cases tracked since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The latest occurred when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plane experienced signal interference en route to Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Although the aircraft landed safely, the event reflects a broader trend of electronic disruptions affecting aviation and maritime operations. Bulgarian authorities declined to investigate, citing the frequency of such incidents as a reason.

Nordic and Baltic countries, including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, have repeatedly warned about increased interference from Russian sources. These disruptions have impacted planes, ships, and drones, often far from Russian territory. Moscow claims the jamming is defensive, aimed at protecting military infrastructure from Ukrainian drone attacks. Baltic officials argue the scale and reach of the interference suggest a more aggressive posture.

Understanding Jamming and Spoofing

Satellite navigation systems, collectively known as GNSS, rely on precise timing signals from satellites orbiting 20,000 kilometers above Earth. Devices such as smartphones, aircraft, and ships use these signals to determine location and time. Jamming occurs when a strong radio signal overwhelms the receiver, preventing it from locking onto satellite data. Spoofing involves sending fake signals that mimic legitimate ones, misleading navigation systems into reporting false positions.

Military applications of these techniques include disrupting missile guidance or deceiving radar systems. Electronic warfare expert Thomas Withington noted that spoofing may have been used by Israel during operations in Iranian airspace. Russia has deployed spoofing technology around sensitive sites like the Kremlin, causing confusion for civilian GPS users. According to Withington, Russian authorities prioritize deterrence over domestic disruption, accepting collateral effects on their own infrastructure.

Regional Responses and Safety Risks

Latvia’s Electronic Communications Office identified interference hotspots near Russian military bases in Kaliningrad, Leningrad, and Pskov. In April 2024, Finnair suspended flights to Tartu, Estonia after GPS disruptions prevented safe landings. Although aircraft can rely on alternative systems like radio navigation and inertial guidance, GPS remains a primary tool for many pilots. Withington cautioned that while jamming is manageable, it can complicate decision-making during emergencies.

Azerbaijan Airlines blamed a fatal crash in December on electronic interference, suggesting the aircraft was targeted while approaching Grozny. Russian officials responded by citing nearby Ukrainian drone activity. Baltic nations have since restricted drone flights near Russian borders and advised operators to check signal stability. Sweden’s Maritime Administration issued warnings to sailors, urging reliance on radar and visual navigation due to repeated signal issues in the Baltic Sea.

Strategic Disruption and Maritime Risk

Experts believe Russia’s jamming tactics serve dual purposes: protecting assets and creating instability among adversaries. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the interference as part of a broader campaign with potentially serious consequences. While airspace disruptions have been partially mitigated, maritime navigation remains vulnerable. Withington warned that overreliance on GPS by ship crews could lead to accidents, especially if alternative systems are neglected.

In July, Lithuanian media reported that two German tourists accidentally flew into Russian airspace, requiring assistance to return. Complaints to the International Civil Aviation Organization have been dismissed by Russian officials as politically motivated. The expansion of affected areas and the rise in incidents—from 26 in 2022 to over 800 in 2024—highlight the growing scale of the problem. As electronic warfare becomes more prevalent, European nations face increasing pressure to adapt and safeguard critical navigation systems.