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GPS jammed on RAF jet carrying UK defence secretary close to Russian border

2 articles
2 sources
0% diversity
Updated 25.5.2026
Key Topics & People
John Healey *Estonia GPS jamming Ministry of Defence Black Sea

Coverage Framing

2
National Security(2)
Avg Factuality:80%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

May 25 Morning

1 articles|1 sources
gps jammingrussian aggressionelectronic attackraf jetrussian border
National Security(1)
The Guardian - World NewsMay 25

GPS jammed on RAF jet carrying UK defence secretary close to Russian border

An RAF jet carrying UK Defence Secretary John Healey experienced GPS jamming for its entire three-hour flight as it neared the Russian border. The incident occurred on Thursday while Healey was returning from a visit to British troops in Estonia. Russia is suspected of being behind the electronic attack, which disabled the plane's GPS, forcing pilots to use an alternative navigation system and preventing passengers' devices from connecting to the internet. While it is unclear if Healey was deliberately targeted, the flight path was visible on tracking websites. This event follows a pattern of similar incidents, including a previous GPS jamming of an RAF plane near Russian territory in March and dangerous intercepts of a British spy plane over the Black Sea last month.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources
Negative

Key Claims

quote

This incident will not deter the UK’s commitment to defend Nato, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression.

— John Healey

factual

Two Russian jets "repeatedly and dangerously" intercepted an RAF spy plane above the Black Sea last month.

— Ministry of Defence (MoD)

factual

An RAF jet carrying UK Defence Secretary John Healey had its GPS signal jammed for three hours near the Russian border.

— The Times

factual

Smartphones and laptops on the jet could not connect to the internet, and pilots used alternative navigation systems.

factual

Russia is thought to be behind the GPS jamming incident.

May 24 Evening

1 articles|1 sources
signal jammingrussian bordergps disabledraf jetrussia
National Security(1)
BBC News - WorldMay 24

RAF jet carrying defence secretary has signal jammed near Russian border

An RAF jet carrying UK Defence Secretary John Healey experienced GPS signal jamming while flying near the Russian border. The incident occurred on Thursday as Healey was returning from a visit to British soldiers in Estonia. Pilots were forced to use an alternative navigation system for the duration of the three-hour flight because the plane's GPS was disabled. Russia is believed to be responsible for the jamming. The flight's path was reportedly visible on aircraft tracking websites, though it is unknown if Healey was specifically targeted. This event follows a separate incident last month where Russian warplanes intercepted an RAF spy plane over the Black Sea.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
Negative

Key Claims

factual

An RAF jet carrying the UK defence secretary had its signal jammed near the Russian border.

— The Times

factual

The incident required pilots to use a different navigation system as the plane's GPS was disabled.

— The Times

factual

Two Russian warplanes "repeatedly and dangerously" intercepted an RAF spy plane over the Black Sea last month.

— Article

factual

A Russian Su-35 fighter approached a Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft, disabling its autopilot.

— Article

factual

Russia is believed to be behind the signal jamming incident.

— The Times