EU holds Russia responsible after GPS jamming disrupts von der Leyen’s flight
EU accuses Russia after GPS jamming disrupts von der Leyen’s plane
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s aircraft experienced GPS interference while en route to Bulgaria, though it landed safely, an EU spokesperson confirmed on Monday, validating earlier reports.
“We can confirm there was GPS jamming, but the plane touched down without issue. Bulgarian authorities suspect the disruption was caused by deliberate Russian interference,” the spokesperson said.
Moscow has not yet responded to the allegations.
The EU offered no technical details but stressed that the event strengthens its “firm resolve to boost defence capabilities and continue support for Ukraine” amid Russia’s ongoing military campaign.
According to Sofia, von der Leyen’s plane lost GPS signal as it neared Plovdiv, forcing controllers to rely on ground-based systems to ensure a secure landing.
The interference occurred during von der Leyen’s four-day trip across EU states bordering Russia. “The EU will step up investment in defence readiness even more following this incident,” the spokesperson added.
Germany’s top military chief, Gen. Carsten Breuer, also revealed that his aircraft had twice been targeted by suspected Russian GPS jamming over the Baltic Sea in recent months.
“I experienced this personally—once flying north over the Baltic Sea, and again during Lithuania’s Iron Wolf exercise,” he said, noting that a Russian reconnaissance plane was operating from Belarus at the time.
“They test us through GPS disruption and other tactics to see how we react, so they can draw conclusions,” Breuer explained.
