Madrid: A Spanish military aircraft carrying Defense Minister Margarita Robles experienced a GPS disruption on Wednesday while navigating near Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred during the plane’s flight en route to Lithuania, where Robles was scheduled to meet her Lithuanian counterpart at the Siauliai airbase.
According to Spain’s Defense Ministry, the aircraft was not compromised due to its encrypted navigation systems, and the GPS interference did not impact the flight. Onboard the plane were also relatives of Spanish airmen participating in NATO’s Vilkas mission, a newly deployed air defense operation along NATO’s eastern flank following recent drone intrusions over Poland.
The Vilkas mission, named after the Lithuanian word for “wolf,” had intercepted eight Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea just last week, illustrating rising tensions in the strategically sensitive region. Spanish officials emphasized that GPS disturbances are increasingly common near Kaliningrad, affecting both military and civilian aviation, and are not targeted specifically at Spanish aircraft.
The episode echoes previous incidents, including the jamming of the GPS system of a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in August. Nations including Estonia and Finland have previously attributed similar GPS disruptions to Russian efforts, aimed at protecting military and strategic assets along the Baltic coast, although Moscow denies involvement.
Despite potential interference, modern aircraft maintain multiple navigation systems, including military satellite links, enabling them to operate safely even when GPS signals are disrupted. Commanders aboard the Spanish jet confirmed that standard navigation protocols ensured uninterrupted flight and safe arrival at the planned destination.
The incident highlights the persistent challenges faced by NATO forces and allied nations operating in proximity to Russian military zones, reinforcing the importance of robust air surveillance and secure communication systems in a region marked by increasing geopolitical friction.