A recent surge in missing or fake Global Positioning System (GPS) signals over the Baltic region has raised concerns about potential Russian involvement. More than 1,600 aircraft, including civilian planes, encountered GPS jamming within a span of two days, particularly around Russia's Kaliningrad exclave, a strategically significant military area for Moscow.
The European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) reported a steady rise in interference cases since January 2022, with 985 GPS outages in the first two months of this year compared to 1,371 for the entire 2023. The EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is investigating the issue, assuring that the GPS problems do not pose immediate flight risks.
Russia's electronic warfare capabilities in Kaliningrad have been highlighted, with reports indicating the deployment of military equipment for GPS interference, including jamming and spoofing. Dana Goward, president of the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation, emphasized the genuine threat posed by Russia's targeting of aircraft with such technology, citing a near-miss incident involving a passenger plane in 2019.
Instances of GPS jamming have been observed in various regions surrounding Russia, prompting EASA warnings about spoofing and jamming incidents. In one incident, a military aircraft carrying British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps experienced GPS jamming on its return from Poland. While the origin of the interference remains unconfirmed, concerns persist about intentional disruptions.
Despite the challenges posed by GPS interference, experts reassure that aircraft can safely navigate using alternative sources when GPS signals are compromised. The aviation industry continues to monitor and address these disruptions to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel in the Baltic region.
