European Commission President's Plane Experiences Suspected GPS Jamming Over Bulgaria

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's aircraft experienced GPS signal disruption while flying over Bulgaria en route to Plovdiv. Bulgarian authorities suspect Russian interference but have decided not to investigate, citing the frequency of such incidents.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, nearly 80 similar incidents have been reported across Europe, affecting planes, ships, and drones. Nordic and Baltic nations, including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, have reported increased electronic interference disrupting communications.

Russia claims these jamming activities are defensive measures to protect key infrastructure from potential drone attacks. However, Baltic officials argue that the extent of interference suggests a broader strategy to destabilize the region.

In response to these threats, the European Union plans to deploy additional satellites in low Earth orbit to enhance defense against GPS signal interference. EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated that this initiative aims to bolster the EU's ability to detect and withstand GPS jamming.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the interference with von der Leyen's plane as part of a complex campaign by Russia against Europe, warning of "potentially disastrous effects."