Russian electronic warfare is routinely disrupting GPS navigation for civilian aircraft in the southern Baltic Sea, creating challenges for pilots and raising concerns about aviation safety. The jamming and spoofing, emanating from Kaliningrad, have been ongoing for a couple of years, affecting flights in the region.

Pilots are adapting to the disruptions by relying on older navigation systems and enhanced training. When GPS fails, they switch to inertial reference systems (IRS) and radio navigation, technologies that have been used in aviation for decades. IRS uses gyros and accelerometers to track the plane’s movements, while radio navigation relies on signals from ground-based radio beacons.

The jamming interferes with GPS signals, while spoofing sends false GPS signals, causing the aircraft’s systems to miscalculate its position. Captain Carsten Brokopp, a base manager for Norwegian’s pilots in Denmark, explained that spoofing can make the GPS think the plane is somewhere it is not.

Pilots must remain vigilant and be prepared to ignore false alarms triggered by the compromised GPS data. These alarms can indicate nonexistent hazards, requiring pilots to quickly assess the situation and avoid reacting inappropriately.

The issue began around 2021 and intensified after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Airlines have learned to operate in this new environment, but there are concerns about the potential for increased workload and stress on pilots, especially in challenging weather conditions or with other aircraft malfunctions.

Some experts fear that the increased workload caused by GPS interference could contribute to accidents. The US aviation authority FAA’s top expert on satellites, Ken Alexander, has warned about the dangers of adding these problems on top of an emergency.

The reliance on GPS in aviation has led to the decommissioning of some older navigation systems, raising concerns about the need to maintain alternative methods. Captain Brokopp stressed the importance of preserving the infrastructure for these systems, even though they cost money to maintain.

The disruptions are also creating financial burdens for airlines, as they may need to fly detours, carry extra fuel, or face flight cancellations. Airlines are adjusting to a world where they cannot rely as much on GPS.