A charter plane carrying European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen experienced satellite signal jamming over Bulgaria, causing it to circle Plovdiv airport for about an hour and lose electronic navigation aids. The crew delayed arrival and used analogue maps to land after the disruption. Bulgarian authorities suspect blatant interference by Russia, and such satellite navigation interference has become more common near Russian airspace. It remains unclear whether von der Leyen was specifically targeted. The incident occurred during a trip to eastern EU border states and reinforced calls to strengthen defence capabilities and support for Ukraine.
Russia is believed to have jammed the satellite signal of a plane carrying the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, over Bulgaria, reportedly forcing it to circle the airport for an hour. Von der Leyen was travelling to Plovdiv on Sunday when her charter plane lost electronic navigation aids, delaying its arrival in the central Bulgarian city. The commission deputy spokesperson Arianna Podesta confirmed the incident had taken place.
We have received information from the Bulgarian authorities that they suspect this was due to blatant interference by Russia. Of course, we are aware and used to the threats and intimidations that are a regular component of Russia's hostile behaviour. Interference with satellite navigation has become increasingly common in airspace near Russia and it remains unclear whether von der Leyen was deliberately targeted. Asked about this point, Podesta said: The question is best asked to the Russians.
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