The RAF jet carrying Defence Secretary John Healey had its GPS signal jammed for the entire three-hour flight home after flying close to Russian territory, according to reports. Healey was returning from a visit to British troops in Estonia when the electronic attack occurred.
The Times reported that smartphones and laptops on board were unable to connect to the internet, forcing pilots to switch to an alternative navigation system. It is unclear whether Healey was deliberately targeted, though the flight path was visible on aircraft tracking websites. Passengers were assured that the Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft could operate safely.
The incident follows a series of recent encounters with Russian forces. Last month, the Ministry of Defence revealed that two Russian jets had repeatedly and dangerously intercepted an RAF spy plane over the Black Sea, with one Su-35 triggering emergency systems and another Su-27 passing within six metres of the unarmed Rivet Joint aircraft. In March 2024, an RAF plane carrying then-defence secretary Grant Shapps also had its GPS jammed near Russian territory.
Healey, who met Estonian defence minister Hanno Pevkur in Tallinn to discuss bilateral defence cooperation, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding professionalism and bravery of the RAF crew who continued with their mission despite these dangerous actions. 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.”
