What to know about Russia's GPS jamming operation in Europe
Summary
Russia has been repeatedly disrupting GPS signals across Europe, causing interference with aircraft, ships, and drones, raising safety concerns especially near its borders and in the Baltic region.
Key Points
- Bulgaria declined to investigate GPS jamming of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's plane as such incidents have become common in the region.
- Russia has been blamed by Western officials for nearly 80 GPS jamming incidents in Europe since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Baltic and Nordic nations report increased electronic interference, with disruptions affecting airplane navigation and communication systems.
- While Russia claims these operations protect its key sites from drone attacks, experts warn the jamming campaign against Europe poses potentially disastrous risks to civil and military navigation.
