Italy‘s defense ministry is considering classifying state flights and minimizing the information published on the website of the prime minister’s office to prevent specialized tracking sites from making aircraft paths visible.
This move comes after the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plane lost satellite navigation aids while flying to Bulgaria, allegedly due to Russian GPS jamming.
The incident has sparked a debate among EU member states on how to make leaders’ flights more secure, particularly in light of increased GPS jamming and “spoofing” since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.¹
Von der Leyen, a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow’s war in Ukraine, was forced to circle an airport for an hour after her plane’s navigation system was disrupted.
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto had initially proposed the idea of keeping state flights secret several months ago when interference with satellite navigation started becoming increasingly common in airspace near Russia.
Other countries, including Latvia, have also reported similar incidents, with at least three jamming hotspots identified along its borders with Russia.
In response to the incident, NATO’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance is working “day and night” to prevent jamming and ensure it doesn’t happen again. Rutte emphasized that the jamming of GPS signals is being taken “very seriously”.
Italy’s plan to keep state flights secret would involve shielding flights carrying the prime minister and cabinet ministers from all tracking platforms, citing security reasons.
The Associated Press has tracked almost 80 incidents of GPS jamming across Europe, blaming Russia for the disruptions. Russia has denied any involvement in the incident, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying, “your information is incorrect.”
However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of leaders’ flights, particularly in regions near Russia.
The debate on securing leaders’ flights comes amid a broader discussion on the EU’s response to Russia’s actions. The EU has imposed sanctions on Russia, but some critics argue that more needs to be done to address the issue.
As the EU continues to navigate its relationship with Russia, the safety and security of its leaders will remain a top priority.
In recent years, Von der Leyen has faced criticism for her frequent use of private jets, which has sparked controversy given the EU’s emphasis on reducing carbon emissions.
In 2023, she flew 23 times on a private plane, sparking accusations of hypocrisy. The Code of Conduct for EU Commissioners states that private planes should only be used in exceptional cases, and alternative options should be carefully considered.²
As the EU continues to grapple with the challenges posed by Russia, the safety and security of its leaders will remain a pressing concern.
The incident involving Von der Leyen’s plane serves as a reminder of the need for increased vigilance and cooperation among EU member states to address these threats.
Italy’s decision to keep state flights secret comes on the heels of a concerning incident involving European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plane, which experienced GPS jamming while flying to Bulgaria.
The alleged interference has raised questions about the safety and security of leaders’ flights, particularly in regions near Russia.
This move is part of a broader effort to enhance security measures for high-profile flights amid growing concerns over electronic warfare and hybrid attacks.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has highlighted the potential risks associated with GPS jamming, noting that it poses significant challenges to aviation safety. Interference with GPS signals can affect flight tracking displays and, in extreme cases, impact the actual operation of the aircraft.
Commercial flight crews are trained to use backup instrumentation when experiencing GPS jamming or spoofing, ensuring the safe operation and completion of flights.
The recent increase in GPS and AIS spoofing and jamming in the Baltic Sea is part of a broader Russian strategy of hybrid warfare directed against the West.
This strategy involves a combination of conventional military force, cyberattacks, misinformation, and electronic warfare activities to achieve strategic objectives without triggering a full-scale military response.
Russia’s goals likely include undermining NATO cohesion, creating economic instability, and exerting psychological pressure on the West.
NATO’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte has emphasized the importance of addressing these threats, stating that the alliance is working to prevent jamming and ensure the safety of leaders’ flights.
The incident involving Von der Leyen’s plane has sparked a debate among EU member states on how to enhance security measures for high-profile flights.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how NATO and its member states will respond to these emerging threats.