What to Know About Russia’s GPS Jamming Campaign in Europe

Russia’s GPS jamming has become a persistent threat to European aviation and maritime safety, with nearly 80 incidents recorded since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to officials. The latest disruption involved European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s flight to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, which was forced to circle the airport before landing safely after its satellite navigation failed.

Bulgaria said it would not investigate the incident, calling it a “side effect” of the war in Ukraine. Baltic and Nordic states, including Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, have repeatedly warned of increased Russian interference that affects planes, ships, and drones far beyond Russia’s borders.

How GPS Jamming and Spoofing Work

Satellite navigation systems rely on signals from orbit to calculate precise position and timing. Jamming overwhelms these signals with stronger transmissions, making navigation impossible, while spoofing sends fake signals that mislead systems into registering false locations. Both tactics can cause serious risks for aircraft and vessels. Russia has long used such methods around sensitive sites like the Kremlin and now applies them widely near military bases in Kaliningrad, Leningrad, and Pskov.

Impact on Aviation and Shipping

The interference has already forced diversions and cancellations. In 2024, Finnair suspended flights to Tartu, Estonia after multiple landings were disrupted. Sweden’s Maritime Administration has also warned ships in the Baltic Sea to rely on radar and landmarks after receiving repeated reports of disrupted signals. Experts warn that while professional pilots can manage outages with backup systems, GPS loss can complicate decision-making during emergencies.

Civilian drone operators have also been affected, with Baltic nations imposing restrictions near Russian borders. In one notable case, two German tourists accidentally flew into Russian airspace after losing navigation signals.

Political and Strategic Dimensions

While Russia frames GPS interference as defensive, NATO leaders describe it as part of a broader hybrid warfare strategy. “Threats and intimidation” from Moscow, NATO officials warn, are designed not only to shield Russian assets from Ukrainian drones but also to destabilize neighboring states and undermine public confidence.

The Risks Ahead

Although many European operators have adapted to signal disruptions, experts caution that overreliance on GPS remains a vulnerability. Mariners, for example, often depend exclusively on satellite navigation despite having radar and charts available. Analysts warn that a major shipping accident caused by spoofed or jammed signals could spark an environmental and humanitarian disaster.

As Russia continues to expand its electronic warfare footprint, European nations are pressing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and global bodies for action. Yet with Moscow dismissing complaints as politically motivated, the risk of escalation—and of a serious accident—remains high.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ICAO