GPS Jamming Incident Involving EU Chief Raises Alarms Over Russian Interference

A flight carrying Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, faced a significant GPS jamming incident as it prepared to land in Plovdiv, Bulgaria on August 31. This disruption, alleged to be instigated by Russian interference, has raised concerns over the safety of high-level officials traveling in regions prone to hybrid threats from Russia. The aircraft managed to land safely at Plovdiv International Airport without the need for a change in route, but the incident underscores the vulnerabilities faced by European leaders in these sensitive areas. The Bulgarian government confirmed that during the flight, the satellite signals providing crucial GPS navigation data were neutralized, forcing air control services to devise an alternative landing method using terrestrial navigation tools. According to reports from the Financial Times, the aircraft even relied on paper maps for this maneuver. European Commission spokeswoman Arianna Podesta acknowledged the GPS jamming during a press conference in Brussels, noting that Bulgarian authorities suspected the disruption was a clear indication of interference from Moscow. However, it remains uncertain whether the chartered flight was specifically targeted. This incident is part of a broader context of escalating Russian hybrid threats faced by frontline European Union countries. As part of a seven-country tour aimed at reinforcing security among states bordering Russia, von der Leyen's visit highlights the increasing risks in these areas where jamming and spoofing activities have been reported. Despite the immediate safety ensured through alternate navigation methods, the situation brings to light the ongoing challenges and dangers posed by outside interference in not only aviation safety but also the stability of international relations in Eastern Europe. The European Commission has already placed sanctions on several entities believed to be involved in such malicious acts. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the need for vigilance and robust countermeasures against hybrid threats becomes even more urgent. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2