INTERNATIONAL: EU Chief’s Jet Hit by Suspected Russian GPS Jamming
Navigation Disruption in Bulgaria
A plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faced GPS navigation jamming while nearing Plovdiv International Airport in Bulgaria.
The incident, attributed to suspected Russian interference by Bulgarian authorities, compelled pilots to navigate using paper maps for a safe landing.
The European Commission confirmed the disruption affected the aircraft’s satellite-based navigation system, necessitating ground-based alternatives.
Strategic Context of the Incident
The jamming occurred during von der Leyen’s tour of EU states bordering Russia and Belarus, aimed at reinforcing support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
As a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, von der Leyen has championed increased European assistance to Kyiv.
The incident underscores Russia’s alleged use of hybrid warfare tactics, including GPS interference, to destabilize regional security.
Allegations Against Russia
Bulgarian officials and the EU pointed to Russia as the probable source of the jamming, though no evidence confirms the plane was specifically targeted.
A 2024 study by Polish and German researchers documented Russia’s role in widespread GPS disruptions across Eastern Europe since the Ukraine conflict’s escalation.
The Kremlin, via spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, rejected the accusations, labeling them as unfounded.
Safe Landing and Response
Despite the GPS signal loss, the aircraft landed safely at Plovdiv using the Instrument Landing System after circling for approximately an hour.
Air traffic control’s prompt intervention ensured no compromise to safety, allowing von der Leyen’s schedule to proceed uninterrupted.
The EU emphasized the need for enhanced countermeasures against such hybrid threats to protect critical infrastructure.
Regional Security Implications
GPS jamming has become a recurrent issue in Eastern Europe, with Poland and Lithuania reporting thousands of incidents in 2025, disrupting aviation and maritime operations.
The EU has previously imposed sanctions on Russian entities for similar actions, highlighting the urgency of bolstering defense mechanisms.
Von der Leyen’s tour, covering Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Poland, and Bulgaria, seeks to unify EU efforts against Russian aggression, with this incident amplifying the stakes.
Official Statements
While von der Leyen did not directly address the jamming publicly, she reiterated her call for robust deterrence against Russian actions during her Bulgaria visit.
The European Commission and Bulgarian government underscored their commitment to countering hybrid warfare and supporting Ukraine.
Bulgaria’s aviation authorities confirmed the incident posed no immediate risk, crediting effective contingency measures.