European Leader’s Plane Targeted By Suspected Russian GPS Jamming

September 2, 2025

A Close Call in the Skies: EU’s Top Leader’s Plane Targeted by Suspected Russian GPS Jamming

A plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was subject to GPS navigation jamming while attempting to land in Bulgaria on Sunday.

While the plane landed safely, Bulgarian authorities suspect Russia was behind the interference, a claim that the European Commission deputy chief spokesperson, Arianna Podestà, relayed to CNN. The pilots had to rely on paper maps to land the aircraft.

The incident happened during von der Leyen’s tour of EU member states in eastern Europe aimed at rallying support for Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing aggression. The attack underscores the “every day threats from Russia and its proxies,” according to Podestà.

GPS interference has long been a known tactic in Russia’s “hybrid warfare” arsenal. Experts and authorities in Scandinavian, Baltic, and other European countries have repeatedly accused Russia of similar jamming incidents. The EU has previously sanctioned Russian entities and individuals for such actions.

This event is expected to further reinforce the EU’s commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities and its support for Ukraine. Speaking after the incident, von der Leyen stressed that Europe must “keep up the sense of urgency,” describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “predator” who can only be managed through “strong deterrence.”