UK Says RAF Jet Carrying Defence Secretary Experienced Signal Jamming Near Russian Border
GPS disruption forces military aircraft to switch navigation systems as tensions persist between Britain and Russia
A British military aircraft carrying UK Defence Secretary John Healey reportedly experienced signal interference and GPS disruption while flying near Russian territory, prompting renewed concerns over electronic warfare activity and regional security tensions.
A British Royal Air Force aircraft transporting UK Defence Secretary John Healey reportedly encountered signal interference and temporary GPS disruption while returning from an official visit near Russia’s border region.
The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident on Monday following reports that the disruption occurred during a flight back to Britain after Healey visited British military personnel stationed in Estonia.
According to reports, the aircraft’s GPS system was disabled for several hours, requiring pilots to rely on alternative navigation procedures to safely complete the journey.
Passengers on board also reportedly experienced interruptions to internet connectivity, while some onboard electronic displays temporarily malfunctioned during the flight.
Although British authorities did not officially identify those responsible or confirm whether the aircraft was intentionally targeted, the Ministry of Defence described the interference as reckless and stated that the Royal Air Force remains prepared to respond to such incidents.
The development comes amid heightened military tensions between the United Kingdom and Russia.
Last week, British defence officials also accused Russian aircraft of repeatedly intercepting a UK surveillance plane operating over the Black Sea, describing the encounter as dangerous and unacceptable.
Defence Secretary Healey had condemned that earlier incident, reaffirming Britain’s commitment to supporting NATO allies and maintaining regional security despite increasing military pressure.
Officials noted that the Black Sea encounter was among the most serious involving a British surveillance aircraft since 2022, when a Russian jet reportedly launched a missile near a UK aircraft in the region.
Relations between London and Moscow have remained strained since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with Britain continuing to provide strong political and military backing to Ukraine.
The latest incident also follows a similar case in 2024, when another RAF aircraft carrying then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps reportedly experienced temporary signal disruption while operating near Russian territory.
