UK Defence Secretary's Jet Hit by GPS Jamming
A UK military jet carrying Defence Secretary John Healey was hit by GPS jamming. The signal was blocked for the entire three-hour flight.
Healey had been visiting British soldiers in Estonia. The jet was flying back to the UK when the jamming happened.
Russia is suspected of blocking the signal. Pilots switched to a backup system and the plane continued safely.
A defence source called the jamming reckless. They said it put civilian aircraft at risk.
But the source also said the RAF was well prepared. A near-identical incident happened in 2024. That time it involved then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps near Russian territory.
Klear Note — GPS jamming blocks signals that planes use for navigation. Russia has repeatedly jammed GPS signals near NATO countries in Eastern Europe.
Key Terms 3
- GPS jamming Blocking GPS signals so aircraft cannot use satellite navigation
- RAF Royal Air Force — the United Kingdom's military air force
- Estonia Small country in northern Europe that borders Russia