The Baltic region has seen an increase in the number of missing or fake Global Positioning System (GPS) signals being reported by aircraft flying over the area, raising concerns that Russia may be responsible for the interference. More than 1,600 aircraft, including civilian aircraft, experienced GPS jamming in less than two days, with the interference being concentrated around Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, a key military area for Moscow. The jamming has been occurring regularly since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, with Russia believed to have significant electronic warfare resources in Kaliningrad.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is investigating the GPS interference issue, but regulators have stated that the problems are not currently a danger to flights. Eurocontrol, an organization focused on air navigation safety, has noted that interference cases reported by pilots have been increasing steadily since January 2022, with reports of GPS outages rising significantly compared to previous years. NATO has also expressed concern about the potential threat posed by Russia’s electronic warfare capabilities, particularly the use of jamming and spoofing technology against aircraft.
Russian armed forces are known to possess military equipment designed for GNSS interference, with reports of jamming and spoofing at varying distances, durations, and intensities. Dana Goward of the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation has highlighted the danger posed by Russia’s targeting of aircraft with this technology, citing a near miss involving a passenger aircraft and a mountain in 2019. NATO and other organizations are monitoring the situation closely in response to the increased GPS interference incidents reported by pilots and aircraft operators.
In March, a military plane carrying British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps experienced GPS jamming on its way back from Poland, although EASA has not confirmed the origin of the interference or whether it was intentional. Reports of GPS spoofing and jamming incidents have been increasing in regions surrounding Russia, including Finland, the Black Sea, and the Baltic Sea area, leading to flight reroutes and changes in destinations. Despite the challenges posed by GPS interference, experts emphasize that aircraft are still able to fly safely without GPS by switching to other navigation sources in cases where GPS signals are inaccurate or disrupted.
The potential threat posed by GPS jamming and spoofing incidents in the Baltic region and surrounding areas has prompted concerns about the safety and security of flights in the region. Experts warn that Russia’s use of electronic warfare capabilities against aircraft could have serious consequences, highlighting a need for increased vigilance and preparedness. While aircraft can still operate safely without GPS, the frequency and intensity of interference incidents reported by pilots and aviation organizations indicate a growing concern that requires coordinated efforts to address and mitigate the risks associated with GPS disruptions. As the situation continues to evolve, authorities and stakeholders must work together to safeguard the integrity and reliability of navigation systems used in air travel.
