An RAF jet carrying the UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, had its GPS signal jammed for the entire three-hour flight after flying close to Russian territory. Healey was returning from a visit to British troops in Estonia when the electronic interference occurred.
The jamming disabled satellite navigation on the Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft, forcing pilots to rely on alternative systems. Passengers, including journalists, were told the plane could operate safely, but smartphones and laptops were unable to connect to the internet during the flight. It remains unclear whether Healey was specifically targeted, though the aircraft's flight path was visible on tracking websites.
The incident came during Healey's visit to Tallinn, where he met Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur to discuss long-term bilateral defence cooperation and strategic expansion. The Ministry of Defence has not commented publicly on the jamming.
The episode follows revelations that two Russian jets repeatedly and dangerously intercepted an RAF spy plane over the Black Sea last month. A Russian Su-35 triggered emergency systems on the Rivet Joint aircraft, while a Su-27 flew within six metres of its nose and made six passes in front. The MoD described it as the most dangerous Russian action against a British Rivet Joint since 2022.
This is not the first such incident involving a defence secretary. In March 2024, an RAF plane carrying then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps had its GPS jammed for about 30 minutes while returning from Poland. Healey also recently disclosed that the UK had tracked three Russian submarines loitering near critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic.
Healey paid tribute to the RAF crew's professionalism and bravery, stating: "Let me be very clear: this incident will not deter the UK's commitment to defend Nato, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression."
