GPS (Global Positioning System) is a vital technology that enables navigation, communication, and coordination for many sectors and activities, such as aviation, transportation, emergency response, and military operations. However, GPS signals are vulnerable to interference, jamming, or spoofing, which can cause disruptions, errors, or hazards for the users. And it's happening. Again.
Electronic Warfare
Recently, several NATO nations, especially in northern Europe, have reported a spike in GPS disturbances, which have been blamed on Russia. Russia is suspected of using electronic warfare equipment to jam or spoof GPS signals, either as a deliberate attack or as a side effect of its military activities near the borders of NATO countries. Russia has denied any involvement or responsibility for the GPS disturbances.
Widespread
The GPS disturbances have affected both civilian and military users and have raised concerns about the security and safety of the region. Here are some of the impacts and responses of the NATO nations to the GPS attack:
Norway. Norway is among the most affected countries by the GPS disturbances, which have occurred almost daily since the start of 2024. The disturbances have mainly affected the northern Finnmark region, where Norway shares a border with Russia. The disturbances have disrupted the navigation and communication of civilian aircraft, air ambulances, and fishing vessels, as well as the operations of the Norwegian Armed Forces and the NATO-led Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroup in the area. Norway has raised the issue with Russia’s main intelligence agency, the FSB, and has urged Russia to stop the GPS jamming. Norway has also invested in alternative navigation systems, such as eLoran and Galileo, to reduce its dependence on GPS.
Poland. Poland has also experienced high levels of GPS interference, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country, where it borders Russia’s Kaliningrad enclave and Belarus, a close ally of Russia. The interference has affected the navigation and communication of civilian and military aircraft, as well as the functioning of some critical infrastructure, such as power grids and railways. Poland has accused Russia of using GPS jamming as a form of hybrid warfare and has called for a coordinated response from NATO and the European Union. Poland has also strengthened its cyber defense capabilities, and has developed its own satellite navigation system, called POLNAV, to complement GPS.
Sweden. Sweden has also reported GPS disturbances, mainly over the Baltic Sea and the southern part of the country, where it faces Russia across the sea. The disturbances have affected the navigation and communication of civilian and military aircraft, as well as the operations of the Swedish Armed Forces and the NATO-led eFP battlegroup in the region. Sweden has condemned Russia’s GPS jamming as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. Sweden has also increased its cooperation with NATO and other neighboring countries, and has invested in alternative navigation systems, such as Galileo and eLoran, to enhance its resilience.
Impacts
These are some of the impacts and responses of the NATO nations to the GPS attack blamed on Russia. However, this does not mean that the users should remain complacent or passive. Users have the right and the responsibility to protect themselves from GPS interference, and to report any incidents or anomalies to the relevant authorities.
If you need more guidance on how to deal with GPS interference, you can check out some of the resources I found for you:
[GPS Interference Reporting - Federal Aviation Administration]: This website can help you report any GPS interference incidents or issues that affect aviation safety or operations.
[GPS Jamming and Spoofing - European GNSS Agency]: This website can help you learn more about the causes, effects, and solutions of GPS jamming and spoofing, and how to prevent or mitigate them.
[GPS Jamming Detection and Localization - GPS World]: This website can help you find out how to detect and locate GPS jamming sources, and how to use alternative positioning systems or methods.