An RAF aircraft carrying UK Defense Secretary John Healey was subjected to suspected Russian electronic jamming as it returned from Estonia, according to British defense sources. The incident occurred as the government jet flew near the Russian border following Healey’s visit to British troops deployed in the Baltic state.
The jamming reportedly disrupted GPS signals for a significant portion of the three-hour flight, forcing pilots to rely on alternative navigation systems. Smartphones and laptops on board were unable to connect to the internet during the interference, passengers said.
A defense source described the activity as reckless Russian interference but emphasized that the RAF is prepared to deal with such operations and that the aircraft remained safe throughout the episode. Those on board, including photographers and a reporter, were informed that the jet could continue to operate safely despite the loss of GPS capability.
The episode echoes a similar event in March 2024, when an RAF plane carrying then-defense secretary Grant Shapps experienced GPS jamming near Russian territory. The latest incident adds to growing concerns over electronic warfare and close military encounters in regions bordering Russia.