Russia linked to massive GPS jamming across Europe, researchers confirm
Space satellite (Photo: Getty Images)
American researchers have established the involvement of Russian satellites in a series of GPS disruptions that have been recorded in European and North American countries since 2019, reports the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Out of 75 cases of short-term GPS signal interference, it was determined that in at least three of them, the source of the radiation were satellites of the Russian early warning system for missile attacks. All cases were characterized by the same signal type and were mostly recorded within the territories of European countries.
These are satellites of the Unified Space System (USS) that operate in Molniya-type orbits and are designed to detect ballistic missile launches and nuclear explosions.
Such interference affects the operation of navigation services, logistics systems, geolocation-enabled mobile applications, and other technologies used daily by civilians.
"Russia continues to employ hybrid warfare tools against Western countries — ranging from cyberattacks and sabotage operations to interference with navigation and communication systems," the Center for Countering Disinformation reported.
The European Union is conducting its own investigation into the incidents and is working to improve systems for detecting and locating such interference.
As is known, GPS signal disruptions in Europe occur quite often and are linked to Russia's jamming of navigation systems.
Earlier, it was reported that an aircraft carrying top European politicians had been affected by GPS jamming. One such incident involved the plane of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Last year, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) found Russia and North Korea responsible for jamming GPS signals in European airspace.
