Russia Accused of GPS Jamming EU Chief’s Jet in Bulgaria
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s jet was allegedly targeted by Russian GPS jamming as it attempted to land at Plovdiv Airport in Bulgaria, according to officials.
The suspected interference reportedly forced the aircraft to circle for nearly an hour before the crew switched from electronic navigation to paper charts to complete the landing, the Financial Times reported on Sept. 1. However, multiple sources later corrected key details, including the use of navigation systems, the length of the delay, and the possibility of a time zone misunderstanding.
While the initial report claimed the crew used “paper maps” to land, Bulgarian authorities confirmed the pilots relied on the Instrument Landing System (ILS)—a standard radio navigation aid that provides horizontal and vertical guidance during approach and is routinely used as a reliable backup when GPS is unavailable.
Open-source flight-tracking data also contradicted the claim that the aircraft circled for an hour. Platforms such as Flightradar24 showed the total delay was only about nine minutes.
“We can confirm there was GPS jamming, but the plane landed safely,” Arianna Podesta, deputy chief spokesperson for the European Commission, told Newsweek. “We have received information from Bulgarian authorities that they suspect this blatant interference was carried out by Russia.”
GPS Jamming and Hybrid Warfare
European officials have long accused Moscow of using GPS jamming as part of its hybrid warfare tactics against the West. Such actions, frequently reported near seaports and airports, pose serious risks to aviation safety and highlight the growing dangers of Russia’s conflict with NATO and its allies.
“We are well aware that threats and intimidation are a regular component of Russia’s hostile actions,” Podesta added. “This will further reinforce our unshakable commitment to ramp up defense capabilities and support for Ukraine.”
The incident coincided with von der Leyen’s visit to Bulgaria, where she met with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov to discuss defense production and regional security. She condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “predator” who can only be contained through deterrence.
“Russia’s brutal war against Ukraine is in its fourth year. It is obvious that Putin will not stop there,” von der Leyen said. “He has created a full-scale war economy because of the biting sanctions we imposed, and he will continue to produce at large scale. So, as we strengthen Ukraine’s defense, we must also take greater responsibility for our own.”
European allies continue to back Ukraine with military and diplomatic support while urging U.S. President Donald Trump not to reward Moscow with concessions. They argue that lasting peace can only be achieved through stronger sanctions, sustained military aid, and ensuring Russia cannot invade again.
Von der Leyen reinforced this message during her trip, saying: “Putin has not changed, and he will not change. He is a predator. He can only be kept in check through strong deterrence.”
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=gps, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ft.com, newsweek.com