Russia-attributed signal interference threatens Baltic Sea aviation

Electronic signal interference in the Baltic Sea region, attributed to Russia, has increased significantly since 2022, raising serious safety concerns for civil aviation. Pilots and security experts report that disruptions to critical signals like GPS—which are essential for determining position, altitude, and speed—pose a direct threat to flight safety.

Pilots operating near Finland and the Baltic states report experiencing these disruptions frequently, with some encountering them daily. Jaroslaw Cydejko from the Maritime University of Gdynia noted that in certain months, signals are disrupted up to 60 or 70 percent of the time, with some days seeing continuous interference.

Experts suggest these activities may be part of a strategic approach, noting that precise signals are vital for preventing mid-air collisions and ensuring safe landings, particularly in low-visibility conditions.