fr.euronews.com
Surge in GPS Interference Incidents Across Eastern Europe
GPS interference incidents have dramatically increased in Eastern Europe since February 2022, impacting aviation and maritime navigation, particularly near critical infrastructure and airports, with suspected Russian involvement.
- What is the extent and impact of the recent surge in GPS interference incidents in Eastern Europe?
- Since February 2022, there's been a significant rise in GNSS jamming and spoofing incidents across Eastern Europe, affecting aircraft and ships. In June 2025, Lithuania recorded over 1000 cases—22 times more than in June 2024; Estonia reported GPS interference in 85% of its flights; and Poland recorded 2732 cases in January 2025. These incidents occurred near airports and critical infrastructure.
- What measures are being taken to address this issue, and what are the potential future implications?
- The EU is working to increase low-earth orbit satellites to better detect interference, while NATO is also actively working to counter the jamming of civilian flights. Thirteen EU member states have requested the Commission to develop alternative GNSS systems and accelerate deployment of interference-resistant services to mitigate the risk of future disruptions.
- What are the suspected sources and methods of these GPS interferences, and what is their strategic significance?
- Authorities suspect Russia and Belarus as primary sources, utilizing jamming and spoofing techniques. These are forms of hybrid warfare, aiming to harass and intimidate neighboring countries. The incidents are concentrated in areas near Russian borders, including Kaliningrad, and along the borders with the Baltic states and Ukraine.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a clear narrative of increased GPS interference incidents in Eastern Europe, primarily attributed to Russia and Belarus. The sequencing of events, starting with the incident involving Ursula von der Leyen's plane, immediately establishes a sense of urgency and potential threat. The use of quotes from European officials and experts further reinforces this narrative. However, the article also includes counterpoints such as the statement that pilots are trained to handle such scenarios and that alternative navigation methods exist, offering a more balanced perspective. The inclusion of specific numbers of incidents in different countries adds to the article's credibility and impact, but could be perceived as biased if these numbers are not properly sourced or verified.
Language Bias
While the article uses mostly neutral language, terms such as "harass and intimidate" when describing Russia's actions carry a negative connotation. The repeated emphasis on Russia and Belarus as the sources of interference might also be interpreted as implicitly biased, even if supported by evidence. Neutral alternatives could include phrases like "disrupt" or "interfere with" instead of "harass and intimidate." The use of the term "hybrid warfare" could be seen as inflammatory language.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the impact of GPS interference on air travel, but omits discussion of the potential effects on other sectors such as maritime navigation or ground transportation. While the article mentions the impact on ambulances and forestry operations in Norway, this is only a brief mention and lacks detailed analysis. A more comprehensive analysis would include these sectors and possibly discuss the economic and social costs of these disruptions. It also lacks details on the exact technological methods used for jamming and spoofing, which could provide a more complete understanding for the reader.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights disruptions to GPS systems, a critical infrastructure component for aviation, maritime, and other sectors. These disruptions negatively impact the efficient operation of transportation and infrastructure, hindering economic activity and potentially causing safety risks. The EU is responding by investing in alternative systems and enhancing resilience, demonstrating a direct link to SDG 9.