Montreal: The United Nations aviation agency, through its triennial assembly, issued a strong rebuke against Russia on Friday, condemning repeated interference with critical satellite navigation systems that officials say jeopardize international civil aviation safety. Delegates from across the globe highlighted the growing risks posed by disruptions to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), which have intensified over the past year.
Countries including Estonia, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania accused Russia of jamming GPS signals in their airspace, a claim Moscow has consistently denied. The assembly cited recent high-profile incidents, such as interference affecting a Spanish military jet carrying the country’s defense minister, underscoring the potential dangers to both civilian and military aviation.
While modern airliners are equipped with backup systems and alternative positioning methods, the assembly stressed that interference, including spoofing broadcasting false GPS signals poses serious safety risks and disrupts reliable navigation. Jari Pontinen, Director General of Finland’s Civil Aviation Authority, told Reuters that the intensity and frequency of GNSS interference in the Baltic region have increased dramatically, with Lithuania reporting hundreds of incidents weekly, nearly 20 times higher than a year ago.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which sets global aviation standards without policing powers, relied on consensus among member states to pass a resolution condemning Russia. The resolution emphasized the harmful impact of recurring satellite navigation interference on international aviation safety and security.
This condemnation coincides with Russia’s unsuccessful attempt to regain a seat on ICAO’s 36-member governing council, an effort blocked in part due to continued concerns over violations since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. European countries, supported by the United States and Canada, highlighted the growing importance of holding nations accountable for actions that threaten the integrity of international airspace.
The assembly’s decision sends a clear message that the international community is closely monitoring satellite navigation disruptions and expects compliance with global aviation norms. Officials emphasized that while technology allows flights to continue amid interference, the potential hazards to aircraft, passengers, and aircrew remain a serious concern requiring urgent attention.