An RAF jet carrying UK Defence Secretary John Healey had its GPS signal jammed for the entire three-hour flight after flying near the Russian border. Healey was returning from a visit to British troops in Estonia when the electronic attack occurred, as reported by The Times. Russia is suspected of being behind the incident on Thursday.
Smartphones and laptops aboard the Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft lost internet connectivity, and pilots had to rely on alternative navigation systems as the GPS was disabled. It remains unclear whether Healey was specifically targeted, though the flight path was visible on aircraft tracking websites. Passengers, including photographers and a reporter, were assured the aircraft could still operate safely.
Healey's Visit to Estonia
Healey had met Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur in Tallinn to discuss long-term bilateral defence cooperation and its strategic expansion. The visit underscored the UK's commitment to NATO's eastern flank.
Recent Russian Incidents
This incident follows a pattern of Russian aggression. On Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence revealed that two Russian jets had dangerously intercepted an RAF spy plane over the Black Sea last month. A Russian Su-35 flew so close to the British Rivet Joint aircraft that it triggered emergency systems, disabling the autopilot. A Su-27 also came within six metres of the unarmed spy plane's nose, conducting six passes in front of it. The MoD described this as the most dangerous Russian action against a British Rivet Joint since a missile was fired over the Black Sea in 2022.
The Rivet Joint, a spy plane with a crew of up to 30, conducts electronic surveillance at ranges of about 150 miles and was monitoring Russian activity as part of a NATO patrol.
Previous GPS Jamming Incident
In March 2024, an RAF plane carrying then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps had its GPS signal jammed for about 30 minutes while flying near Russian territory, returning from Poland to the UK.
Submarine Activity
Last month, Healey revealed that the UK tracked three Russian submarines that loitered over critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic for a month before departing. He praised the RAF crew's professionalism and bravery, stating, "Let me be very clear: this incident will not deter the UK's commitment to defend NATO, our allies, and our interests from Russian aggression."
The UK continues to monitor and respond to such provocations, maintaining a strong stance against any threats to national security and international stability.
