The proportion of jammed RAF flights rose to more than one in three – 40 per cent – if flights crossing the eastern Mediterranean are taken into account.
Some jamming signals may come from Israel, as it seeks to defend itself against potential GPS-guided weapons launched by Hamas.
Russia has a substantial military presence in Syria and geopolitical experts say that some of the region’s jamming comes from that location.
Another Russian jammer operates from the Kaliningrad exclave, a parcel of Russian-controlled territory on the shores of the Baltic Sea, sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania.
Dr Tom Withington, a Royal United Services Institute associate fellow specialising in electronic warfare, said: “This has a consequence from a navigation perspective and also from an air traffic control perspective.
“I don’t necessarily think the Russians are deliberately trying to cause mayhem to aviation by doing this jamming.
“But on the other hand, the jamming itself is very irresponsible.
“There will be moments when countries do need to use it for very respectable reasons, such as self-defence.
‘Not uncommon’
Earlier this year, Finnair had to withdraw all flights from Tartu, Estonia, after Russian GPS jamming from across that country’s eastern border left flights unable to safely approach the airport.
John Healey, Labour’s defence secretary, said: “The UK is united in our condemnation of Russia’s aggressive actions against our Armed Forces and Nato allies.
“That’s why Keir Starmer has made absolutely clear that our commitment to Nato is unshakable as threats are increasing to keep us safe.
“Whilst there may be a change to the government on July 4, there will be no change in Britain’s resolve to support our Nato allies, confront Russian aggression and pursue Putin for his war crimes.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Our aircraft are fitted with a range of capabilities to ensure they can operate in a range of environments, including where GPS jamming could take place.
“Jamming is not uncommon when operating around areas of conflict and it does not prevent us conducting air operations.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it would not comment on whether the UK has asked other countries to reduce their GPS jamming.
The embassies of Russia and Israel failed to respond to a request for comment.
Source link : https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/06/29/hundreds-of-raf-flights-had-gps-jammed-by-russia/
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Publish date : 2024-06-29 11:36:00
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