An RAF jet carrying UK Defence Secretary John Healey had its GPS signal jammed for the entire three-hour flight after flying near the Russian border, according to reports. Healey was returning to the UK from a visit to British troops in Estonia when the electronic attack occurred.
The jamming disabled internet connectivity on smartphones and laptops, forcing pilots to rely on alternative navigation systems. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated that the Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft could operate safely despite the interference. It remains unclear whether Healey was specifically targeted, though the flight path was visible on aircraft tracking websites.
This incident follows a pattern of Russian electronic warfare near UK military aircraft. In March 2024, an RAF plane carrying then-Defence Secretary Grant Shapps had its GPS jammed for 30 minutes near Russian territory. Last month, the MoD revealed that two Russian jets had dangerously intercepted an RAF spy plane over the Black Sea, with one flying just six metres from the aircraft's nose.
Healey had met Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur in Tallinn to discuss long-term bilateral defence cooperation. Commenting on recent Russian actions, Healey said, 'This incident will not deter the UK’s commitment to defend Nato, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression.'
