GPS disturbances in Sweden: A new threat to civil aviation or Russian 'hybrid actions'?
12:56 PM EST, January 13, 2024
Could it be another part of russian so called "hybrid war" in Europe?
Previously, inconsistencies in the operation of the GPS were noted between December 18th and 26th. Johan Westin from the Swedish Transport Agency reported to SVT that after this period, the agency received five additional reports from passenger plane pilots about discrepancies in GPS operation over Kristianstad in the Skåne region. The most recent report was made on Wednesday.
"Hybrid actions"
Thomas Nilsson, the head of the Military Intelligence and Security Service MUST, confirmed further incidents.
"We have made these observations before, particularly during Russian military exercises. I believe it's an example of a hybrid action, the purpose of which is to create uncertainty," he emphasized.
Nilsson says the situation is grave, as "civil aviation and navigation rely heavily on the GPS."
Disruptions do not compromise flight safety
A Swedish Civil Aviation Authority LFV expert assures us these GPS disruptions did not affect flight safety. "Although these incidents may impact an aircraft's ability to navigate precisely, there are many different backup systems in place," reassured Petter Eklund from LFV.