An RAF jet carrying Defence Secretary John Healey had its GPS signal jammed for the entire three-hour flight after flying near the Russian border. Healey was returning from a visit to British troops in Estonia when the electronic attack occurred, as reported by The Times.
Incident Details
The jamming, believed to be orchestrated by Russia, disrupted internet connectivity on smartphones and laptops, forcing pilots to rely on alternative navigation systems. The flight path remained visible on aircraft tracking websites, though it is unclear if Healey was deliberately targeted. Passengers, including photographers and a reporter, were assured the Dassault Falcon 900LX could still operate safely.
Healey's Visit and Broader Context
Healey had met Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur in Tallinn to discuss long-term bilateral defence cooperation. This incident follows a pattern of Russian aggression: earlier in March 2024, an RAF plane carrying then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps had its GPS jammed near Russian territory. Last month, the Ministry of Defence revealed that two Russian jets had dangerously intercepted an RAF spy plane over the Black Sea, with one Su-35 flying so close it triggered emergency systems and disabled autopilot. A Russian Su-27 also passed within six metres of the unarmed Rivet Joint aircraft.
In a separate incident, Healey disclosed that the UK tracked three Russian submarines loitering over critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic for a month. He praised the RAF crew's professionalism and bravery, stating, "This incident will not deter the UK's commitment to defend Nato, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression."
