UPDATE: GPS Interference Escalates in the Baltic

Finland's Transportation and Communications Agency assures the public that air travel remains safe and offers an explanation for the recent increase in GPS interference.

On Wednesday I published an article about the increase in GPS interference in the Baltic Sea region:

GPS Interference Escalates in the Baltic

Today, Finland’s Transportation and Communications Agency (Traficom) published a press release, reinforcing that it remains safe to fly (bold in original):

GPS interference is not a new phenomenon in aviation. Typically, interference is observed near conflict zones. The interference does not affect the safe performance of flights, because especially modern commercial aircraft have several alternative navigation systems. Additionally, air traffic control aids with navigation if necessary.

GPS interference has occurred for the past twenty years during the time in which GPS has been used in aviation as a navigation system. Problems in technical systems are possible. Aeroplanes have alternative navigation systems to ensure a safe flight. 

“It is still safe to fly to and in Finland. GPS interference is not a new phenomenon in aviation and that is why we are prepared for them. Reports of interference have increased during the past year. GPS interference affects the planning and ease of transport and the schedules of travellers more than safety,” states Director-General Jarkko Saarimäki.

Traficom’s press release also offered an explanation for the interference that points to Russia’s efforts to protect its own infrastructure (emphasis mine):

An interference situation can also be caused intentionally, in which case it is jamming. In aviation, disturbances in satellite navigation systems are often observed especially in the vicinity of conflict zones. In conflict zones or in the vicinity of these, jamming is typically used to protect one's own infrastructure or important sites, so the interference effect can also spread more widely. 

The interference intensified when Ukraine's drone attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure began in January 2024. It is possible that the interference observed in aviation currently are most likely a side effect of Russia's self-protection. In practice, self-protection interference is used to prevent the navigation and control of drones controlled by GNSS or mobile frequencies. The interference has not only remained within Russia's borders, but has also reached Finnish territory.

If this interference is just a side effect, what would it look like if Russia used the capability offensively?

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All the Best,

PGR