British Defense Minister's plane GPS signal jammed near Russia

The government plane carrying British Defense Minister John Healey experienced GPS signal disruption while flying near the Russian border. The incident occurred on Thursday as Healey was returning from Estonia, where he had met with British troops stationed in the country.

According to The Times newspaper, whose journalist was aboard the flight, the satellite signal was interrupted for approximately three hours. During this period, the aircraft's communication systems were affected, preventing internet access on phones and computers. Pilots had to rely on alternative methods to determine the plane's location.

While the British Ministry of Defense declined to comment, The Times reported that Russia is suspected of being behind the disruption. This is not an isolated event; a similar incident occurred in 2024 when the plane carrying then-Defense Secretary Grant Shapps experienced GPS jamming while flying near the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

Downing Street acknowledged at the time that such jamming incidents are not uncommon in proximity to the Russian exclave. The repeated disruptions raise concerns about air safety and potential interference in airspace near sensitive regions.