-
What exactly happened to Ursula von der Leyen's plane?
On September 1, 2025, Ursula von der Leyen's plane was subjected to GPS jamming while approaching Plovdiv International Airport in Bulgaria. Despite the interference, the plane safely landed using terrestrial navigation tools like paper maps. The incident highlights ongoing hybrid threats faced by EU countries near Russia and Belarus.
-
Why do countries jam GPS signals?
Countries may jam GPS signals as part of hybrid warfare tactics to disrupt navigation and communication systems of adversaries. This interference can prevent targeted aircraft, ships, or vehicles from using GPS, forcing reliance on less precise methods and creating confusion or delays.
-
Is Russia involved in recent GPS interference incidents?
Bulgarian authorities suspect Russia's involvement in the GPS jamming incident involving Ursula von der Leyen's plane. Russia denies these accusations, but Western officials and NATO consider such incidents part of a broader campaign of hybrid threats and electronic warfare by Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
-
What are hybrid threats and how do they affect EU security?
Hybrid threats include a mix of military, cyber, electronic, and informational tactics used to destabilize or influence a target country without traditional warfare. These threats challenge EU security by disrupting critical infrastructure, spreading disinformation, and undermining trust in institutions.
-
How do countries protect themselves from GPS jamming?
Countries defend against GPS jamming by using alternative navigation methods like terrestrial maps, inertial navigation systems, and encrypted signals. Increasing awareness and developing resilient infrastructure are key strategies to mitigate the impact of electronic interference.
-
What does this incident mean for European security?
The GPS jamming incident underscores the growing threat of hybrid warfare in Europe. It highlights the need for stronger defenses, better detection systems, and international cooperation to counter electronic threats and safeguard critical infrastructure across the continent.