Russia Accused of Jamming GPS Signals Across Northern Europe, Disrupting Flights

Russia is facing accusations of jamming GPS signals across northern Europe, causing significant disruptions to flights in the Baltic Sea region. The interference has prompted Finnair, the only airline operating international flights to Estonia's Tartu airport, to suspend landings at the airport due to the rise in GPS signal interference incidents.

Estonian officials have directly blamed Russia, accused, systems for the interference, although no concrete evidence has been provided to support these claims. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called the GPS interference a "Russian hybrid attack," stating that Russia is aware of the danger it poses to aviation in the region.

The issue highlights recent trends in electronic warfare, with experts raising concerns about the increased risk of accidents if planes veer off-course due to GPS disruptions. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has held a summit to discuss the rise in GPS-related incidents in this part of Europe.

While politicians and officials have pointed to Russia as the main culprit, experts say Western militaries could also be using similar technology in other parts of the world. The accusations against Russia stem from the presence of one of its electronic warfare divisions in Kaliningrad, which is believed to have the capability to intensively jam GPS signals and engage in more sophisticated interference like spoofing.

Why this matters: The widespread GPS jamming by Russia increases the threat of aviation accidents in the region. The disruptions highlight the growing use of electronic warfare tactics, which can have significant impacts on civilian air travel and critical infrastructure.

The Baltic states are in contact with their allies to address this problem, which they consider a "hybrid attack" by Russia that poses a danger to their citizens. Finnair is working on alternative solutions that do not require GPS to ensure safe landings at affected airports. As Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated, "Russia knows that the GPS interference is very dangerous to our aviation."

Key Takeaways

• Russia accused of intensifying GPS jamming over Baltic Sea, disrupting flights
• Estonia blames Russia for "hybrid attack" on GPS, posing danger to aviation
• Finnair suspends landings at Tartu airport due to rising GPS interference
• Electronic warfare tactics increase risk of aviation accidents in the region
• Baltic states seek allies' help to address Russia's GPS jamming as a security threat