UN Aviation Agency Condemns Russia Over Satellite Navigation Jamming
The UN aviation agency, ICAO, concluded its assembly in Montreal on October 3rd with delegates agreeing to condemn Russia for disturbances to critical satellite navigation systems. These actions are considered violations of international rules.
Russia's Failed Re-election and GPS Jamming Allegations
Russia also failed to win back its seat on the ICAO’s 36-member governing council. This occurred amidst ongoing concerns and accusations regarding the disruption of GPS signals in the Baltic, Eastern, and Northern European regions. Estonia and Finland have specifically blamed Russia for jamming GPS navigation devices, accusations that Moscow has denied.
High-Profile GPS Interference Incidents
The region has experienced several high-profile instances of GPS disturbances, including one involving a Spanish military jet carrying the country’s defence minister. While modern airliners possess alternative navigation systems, European countries, supported by the US and Canada, have raised significant safety concerns about global navigation satellite system (GNSS) radio frequency interference emanating from Russian territory.
ICAO's Rebuke and US Pressure
This condemnation represents the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) latest rebuke of Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. One European diplomat indicated to Reuters that the vote against Russia was influenced by increased US pressure, especially after President Donald Trump's changed rhetoric in favor of Ukraine during a recent speech at the United Nations.
Growing Concerns Over GNSS Interference
The ICAO's triennial assembly overwhelmingly supported a resolution condemning recurring global navigation interference originating from Russia and its “harmful impact on the safety and security of international civil aviation.” Captain Jari Pontinen, director-general of civil aviation at Finland’s Transport Agency, highlighted the growing prevalence of both jamming and spoofing (broadcasting fake GPS signals) as a cause for concern.
“We have several reports from our aircraft about GNSS interference, mostly jamming, but quite a bit of spoofing as well,” said Captain Jari Pontinen.
Increased Intensity and Frequency of Incidents
According to representatives from Baltic countries like Latvia and Lithuania, these incidents are becoming increasingly severe. The Lithuanian representative reported hundreds of GNSS interference incidents every week, with an intensity nearly 20 times higher than the previous year.