An RAF aircraft carrying UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps experienced significant GPS interference while flying near Russian territory, prompting a temporary switch to alternative navigation methods, government officials have confirmed.
The incident occurred as the minister was returning from Poland after observing a NATO exercise. The jet encountered what officials described as temporary GPS jamming while passing close to Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea. According to UK government statements cited in media reports, the disruption lasted for around 30 minutes and affected onboard systems and mobile phone connectivity, with passengers losing internet access during the episode.
Downing Street confirmed the loss of the GPS signal but said there was no danger to the aircraft or those on board. RAF crews relied on other standard aviation navigation systems, which remained fully functional throughout the flight. Government sources noted that GPS interference is not uncommon in airspace near Kaliningrad, an area where Western military and commercial aircraft have frequently reported similar jamming events in recent years.
While officials did not publicly attribute responsibility in detail, multiple media outlets reported that the signal disruption was believed to be the result of Russian electronic warfare activity in the region. The UK has not indicated any change to flight routes or ministerial travel plans following the incident.