Plane of EU leader seemingly targeted by GPS disruption suspected to be of Russian origin
In an unexpected turn of events, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, experienced GPS jamming during a flight on August 31, 2025. The aircraft was en route to Plovdiv, Bulgaria, as part of a seven-country tour of "frontline" European Union states.
The satellite signal transmitting information to the plane's GPS navigation system was neutralized, causing concern among passengers and crew members. However, the aircraft landed safely at Plovdiv International Airport in Bulgaria, thanks to alternative navigation systems.
The region has a history of such jamming and spoofing activities, according to the commission. Reports suggest that Brussels alleged Russia as the possible culprit behind the GPS jamming incident. Bulgarian authorities, too, suspected that the disruption was due to interference from Moscow.
Despite initial suspicions, flight data and experts have contradicted the severity of the incident, showing that the flight was almost routine. It was not clear if the chartered flight was deliberately targeted, and it was not mentioned if the plane was forced to land using paper maps.
Air control services offered an alternative landing method using terrestrial navigation tools, which the aircraft successfully employed. The landing did not require a change in the plane's route due to the GPS jamming.
Arianna Podesta, Commission spokeswoman, confirmed the GPS jamming incident. The commission has previously sanctioned several companies believed to be involved in GPS jamming incidents.
It is worth noting that the incident occurred during a tour of EU states more exposed to Russian hybrid threats. However, there is no new information about possible involvement of Russia in the incident.
The Bulgarian government confirmed the GPS jamming incident during the flight carrying Ursula von der Leyen. Despite the incident, the President's tour continued, underscoring the resilience and determination of the European Union in the face of adversity.
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