European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s flight to Bulgaria was thrown into chaos when a suspected Russian GPS jamming attack disrupted navigation systems, forcing pilots to land the plane using paper maps.
Incident Over Bulgarian Airspace Left Plane Without Navigation Tools
According to three officials briefed on the matter, von der Leyen’s aircraft encountered a severe GPS disruption while flying over Bulgarian airspace. The interference disabled navigation systems so extensively that the crew was left circling above the airport for nearly an hour before opting to land using analogue tools.
The Financial Times reported that pilots had to rely on traditional paper maps to complete the landing — a rare practice in modern aviation where electronic navigation has long been standard.
Both the Bulgarian Traffic Services Authority and the European Commission confirmed the incident. Officials suspect Russia carried out the attack, targeting the EU’s highest-ranking official in an act that underscores the escalating risks of electronic warfare in Europe.
How GPS Jamming Works and Why is it a Threat
GPS jamming is a tactic that uses radio frequency transmitters to interfere with satellite navigation signals. By flooding the airwaves with stronger local signals, attackers prevent aircraft or vehicles from receiving accurate positioning data.
The impact can be dangerous, particularly in aviation, where navigation reliability is critical for flight safety. With navigation systems disabled, crews may be forced to rely on manual procedures — increasing operational risk and delaying schedules.
Russia’s Growing Use of GPS Jamming Across Europe
Bulgarian authorities pointed to Russia as the most likely actor behind the attack. Moscow has repeatedly been accused of employing GPS disruption in Central and Northern Europe, often near NATO borders or during periods of heightened political tension.
Earlier this year:
- Lithuanian aviation authorities recorded over 300 GPS jamming incidents in March alone.
- Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski publicly accused Russia of disrupting GPS signals in northern Poland as part of destabilization efforts.
The attack on von der Leyen occurred on August 31, 2025, while she was traveling to meet Bulgaria’s prime minister and tour a local ammunition factory. Despite the disruption, the pilots landed the aircraft safely.
European Response and Future Countermeasures
The European Union is already taking steps to counter the threat of GPS interference. According to Reuters, EU leaders confirmed plans to deploy additional satellites in low Earth orbit to strengthen resilience against jamming activities.
EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said the initiative would expand detection capabilities and improve Europe’s ability to respond to electronic warfare.
The move reflects broader concerns that cyber and electronic attacks are increasingly being used as tools of influence and disruption by state actors.
