RAF jet carrying UK defence secretary hit by suspected Russian GPS jamming

An RAF jet carrying UK Defence Secretary John Healey had its satellite navigation system disabled by suspected Russian electronic warfare during a flight from Estonia back to Britain on Thursday, forcing pilots to rely on backup navigation for the entire three-hour journey.

Healey was returning from a visit to British soldiers stationed in Estonia near the Russian border when the GPS signal on the Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft was knocked out shortly after takeoff. The interference also cut all internet connectivity on board, leaving passengers including political and military advisors, a three-star lieutenant general, two photographers, and a journalist unable to use smartphones or laptops for the duration of the flight.

Pilots were forced to use an alternative navigation system that calculates position through movement rather than satellite signals. Passengers were told the aircraft could continue operating safely, but restoring satellite connectivity was not possible without rebooting the jet's systems, which cannot be done midflight.

A defence source described the incident as "reckless Russian interference" but said the RAF is "well prepared to deal with this activity." It...