Report: Russians believed to be responsible for jamming GPS on thousands of European flights
Between August 2023 and March 2024, more than 46,000 incidences were reported over the Baltic Sea region.
Since last August, over 46,000 flights across Europe have experienced GPS signal disruptions, with Russia believed to be responsible for these incidents.
The disruptions primarily occurred in Eastern Europe near borders with Russia, as reported by The Sun based on data from GPSJAM.org.
According to The Guardian, over 2,300 Ryanair flights and 1,400 Wizz Air flights reported GPS issues over the Baltic Sea region, with British Airways and easyJet also experiencing similar problems.
Last month, the British government revealed that a Royal Air Force jet carrying British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps had its GPS signal jammed near the Kaliningrad Oblast border.
It was suggested by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson that encountering GPS disturbances near Kaliningrad was not uncommon.
On April 25 and 26, two Finnair flights from Helsinki to Estonia faced GPS disturbances, causing them to divert their routes.
Concerns have been raised by Lithuania Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, emphasizing the growing danger near Russian borders in the Baltic region.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna blamed Russia for the GPS signal disruptions across the Baltic Sea region, considering it as part of Russia’s hostile activities.
‘Hybrid Attack’
Marko Mikhelson, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament, warned that Russia’s jamming of GPS systems could pose a risk to international air traffic and should not be ignored by allies.
A spokesperson for the German Defense Ministry stated earlier this month that Russia is likely responsible for disturbances affecting GPS navigation in the Baltic region, originating from Kaliningrad Oblast.
Despite these disruptions, Russia has not taken responsibility for them.
This report includes contributions from Reuters.
