The Baltic States Warn of Aviation Catastrophe Risk Due to Russian GPS Jamming

Foreign ministers of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia have warned that disruptions to GPS in the Baltic region, for which Russia is blamed, could lead to aviation catastrophes. This became evident when two Finnair planes flying from Helsinki to Tartu had to turn back midway due to GPS issues, reports the Financial Times. 

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna specifically stated that Tallinn views these events as part of Russia's aggressive actions and announced plans to discuss the situation with allies.

"These actions constitute a hybrid attack and pose a threat to our people and security, and we will not tolerate them," noted Estonia's Foreign Minister.

Lithuania is also concerned about the GPS disruptions. "If someone turns off headlights while you're driving at night, it becomes dangerous. The situation in the Baltic region near Russian borders is becoming too dangerous to ignore," said Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.

Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Brazhe stated that Riga takes these incidents seriously, and relevant institutions in the country are in contact with colleagues from other states.

According to one version, Russia is jamming GPS in the Baltic region to protect Kaliningrad from potential Ukrainian drone attacks.

Baltic and British media reported that tens of thousands of civilian flights have been affected by GPS disruptions in recent months. The Guardian reported that since August of last year, over 2300 Ryanair flights, nearly 1400 Wizz Air flights, 82 British Airways aircraft, and four easyJet flights reported GPS interference in the region.

According to The Sun, approximately 46,000 aircraft experienced GPS problems over the Baltic Sea during the same period.

In March, the UK government confirmed that a Royal Air Force aircraft, carrying Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, encountered GPS issues during a flight near Kaliningrad while returning to the UK from Poland.

Apart from aircraft, GPS jamming affects all users in the region, including vessels in the Baltic Sea, prompting warnings from the Swedish navy regarding maritime safety.