Report: Russia Jams GPS on EU Chief’s Plane
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plane was forced to land using paper maps after suspected Russian GPS jamming disrupted its navigation systems, according to EU officials.
The incident occurred on Sunday as von der Leyen was en route to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, from Poland during a multi-country tour of EU border states. A Commission spokesperson confirmed the aircraft experienced a loss of satellite-based navigation capabilities and had to circle the airport for around an hour before landing manually using analogue methods.
“This was undeniable interference,” the spokesperson told The Telegraph, noting that Bulgarian authorities suspect the GPS disruption was carried out by Russia. “We are well aware that threats and intimidation are a regular component of Russia’s hostile actions,” the official added.
The European Commission emphasized that the event highlights the need for stronger EU defense capabilities. Bulgaria, which has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and has supplied military aid since Russia’s invasion began in 2022, is seen as a strategic target for such interference.
GPS jamming, which disables satellite-based positioning and communication systems, has become an increasingly common tactic attributed to Moscow. Experts warn that it poses serious risks to civilian aviation and regional security.
The Baltic region and Eastern European states have reported a surge in jamming incidents since the war in Ukraine began. Lithuania revealed in July that it had identified over 10 suspected jamming sites in Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave. In June alone, Lithuanian pilots reported over 1,000 GPS disruptions—up from just 46 the month prior. Estonia and Finland have also accused Moscow of similar interference.
GPS systems, which replaced older ground-based radio navigation tools, are critical for modern aviation. Jamming involves flooding receivers with false signals, making it difficult or impossible for pilots to determine their position or communicate with ground control. The equipment used can be relatively cheap and easy to obtain.
Von der Leyen’s Eastern Europe tour is aimed at reaffirming the EU’s commitment to front-line states facing Russian aggression. On Sunday, during a stop at the Poland-Belarus border, she described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “predator” and stressed the need for continued vigilance: “We have to keep the sense of urgency because we know that Putin has not changed and will not change.”
Her itinerary includes visits to Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, and Romania in what is being seen as her most significant diplomatic push on security and defense since the early days of the Ukraine war.
The jamming incident follows closely on the heels of a Russian missile strike in Kyiv that hit offices belonging to the British Council and the EU delegation to Ukraine. Both the UK and EU have accused Russia of deliberately targeting diplomatic buildings, summoning Russian ambassadors for formal protests.
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