An RAF aircraft transporting the UK Defence Secretary experienced GPS jamming near Kaliningrad, sparking concerns over electronic warfare risks and leading to calls for increased defence spending.
On a recent flight back from Poland, an RAF aircraft carrying UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps experienced GPS signal jamming suspected to be conducted by Russia. The incident occurred when the plane was flying near Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, forcing the crew to use alternative navigation methods for about 30 minutes. Although the safety of Shapps and his delegation was not compromised, and the aircraft was not placed in immediate danger, the disruption also affected mobile phone internet connections.
This event has raised concerns about the potential risks of electronic warfare tactics, especially considering the precariousness it could pose to civilian aircraft in the region. Despite the scare, Shapps has highlighted the need for increased defence spending to guard against such threats. This stance comes amid criticisms of previous budget decisions that purportedly compromised security measures on such high-profile aircraft. Specifically, concerns were voiced over cost-saving measures, amounting to £200 million, that left the aircraft without anti-missile jammers – a decision deemed “wildly irresponsible” by defence sources. Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace cited budget constraints as the rationale behind the lack of protective systems, but the move has faced criticism for risking safety in favor of saving costs.
Following the incident and subsequent debate over the aircraft’s vulnerability to electronic and physical attacks, Shapps has reportedly reversed the decision to forego the protective systems, acknowledging the importance of equipping aircraft with adequate security measures. The incident has underscored the ongoing tensions between the UK and Russia, as well as the critical necessity of safeguarding communication and navigation systems against electronic warfare tactics.
