GNSS navigation systems face rising interference and spoofing threats

Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), including Galileo, GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou, are facing increasing threats from jamming and spoofing. In the second quarter of 2025, intentional interference affected over 10,000 vessels, an eightfold increase compared to the previous quarter. Such disruptions pose significant economic risks, as satellite navigation supports critical infrastructure like power grids, emergency services, and maritime transport.

In the Baltic Sea region, interference has intensified significantly. Data from the Institute of Communications (PIB) in Gdańsk showed that during certain periods in 2026, total signal disruption occurred on approximately 63 percent of days. To combat this, experts are developing R-Mode, a terrestrial navigation system that functions as a “spare tire.” Unlike satellite-based systems, R-Mode utilizes existing coastal radio infrastructure to determine a vessel's position, providing a reliable alternative when satellite signals can no longer be trusted.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is prioritizing the resilience of systems like Galileo and EGNOS by researching multi-layered GNSS approaches and new detection technologies to mitigate both human-made and natural interference caused by cosmic weather.