Estonia has accused neighbouring Russia of jamming GPS navigation equipment in airspace over the Baltic republics, echoing airline worries that they have been dealing with such interference for months.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna's accusation, for which he gave no evidence, came after Finnair's (FIA1S.HE) decision to suspend flights to Tartu in eastern Estonia for one month owing to GPS disruptions. The Kremlin did not immediately reply to calls for comment.
There have been reports of an increase in GPS interference around the world, notably since last year, increasing concerns about a higher risk of mishaps if planes veer off course.
What is GPS jamming and spoofing?
GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a network of satellites and receiving devices used for positioning, navigation, and timing on Earth in anything from ships and planes to cars. GPS is one of the most essential navigation aids in aviation, having replaced costly ground devices that used radio beams to steer planes to landing.
However, it is quite simple to block or distort GPS signals with store-bought tools, and the military has invested in technology capable of doing so. GPS jamming involves using a frequency transmitting device to obstruct or interfere with radio communications, typically by broadcasting signals from the ground that are stronger than satellite-based signals.
Spoofing, which involves one country's military transmitting fake GPS signals to an enemy jet or drone to impede its ability to function, is frequently regarded as more disruptive and lethal than jamming.
Where does it occur?
Last year in December, aviation advisory group OPSGROUP reported an increase in spoofing affecting private and commercial jets across the Middle East, including Iraq, Iran, Israel, and the Black Sea.
It tends to hit areas near battle zones since the technology is employed to send suicide drones off track. Baltic countries have been reporting the issue for years, especially since the conflict in Ukraine began in 2022.
Jamming around the Baltic Sea has gotten worse during the last six months, according to Finnair pilot and Finnish Pilots Association Safety and Security Committee chair Lauri Soini.
GPS jamming is currently occurring in a region ranging from Poland to the Baltic nations to the Swedish and Finnish coasts, affecting lower altitudes as well as maritime traffic, Soini added.
Airlines issue
Most modern airliners use an array of sensors and sources to detect their position, in addition to GPS, so they can fly even if there is interference. However, according to pilots and industry analysts, airlines continue to rely heavily on GPS.
If jamming or spoofing occurs, GPS may have to be turned off and cannot be reset for the remainder of the flight. This might cause tension and delays during takeoff and landing because certain operations require GPS to perform. Some private jets rely solely on GPS navigation.
However, AirBaltic safety manager and flight pilot Janis Kristops stated that the Tartu incident with Finnair was unusual. If GPS fails, most big airports have a range of other navigation systems accessible, he noted.
And, given the various nature of jamming and spoofing devices, it is impossible for the aircraft industry to devise a comprehensive technological solution to limit the risk. Instead, officials intend to teach pilots to detect jamming and spoofing sooner.
