GPS jammed on RAF jet carrying UK defence secretary close to Russian border
An RAF jet carrying UK Defence Secretary John Healey experienced GPS signal jamming during its return flight from Estonia. The incident, suspected to be orchestrated by Russia, occurred as the aircraft flew near the Russian border. Despite the disruption, the flight was able to operate safely using alternative navigation methods.
- ▪John Healey was returning from a visit to British troops in Estonia when the incident occurred.
- ▪The jet's GPS was jammed for the entire three-hour flight, affecting internet connectivity for passengers.
- ▪This is not the first instance of GPS jamming involving UK officials near Russian territory.
7 outlets in our directory ran this story, first to last over 14 hours. Coverage spans 3 points on the political spectrum — 1 lean left, 4 centre, 1 lean right.
- ▪ UK defence secretary’s plane has GPS jammed near Russian border — Financial Times — World
- ▪ Russia jams signal of RAF jet carrying UK's Defense Minister Healey after trip to Estonia - report — The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com
- ▪ UK defense minister's plane experiences GPS jamming during Estonia visit — World News
- ▪ RAF jet flying defence secretary has signal jammed near Russian border — Sky News — Top
- ▪ GPS signals of RAF jet carrying defence secretary ‘jammed by Russia’ — The Independent
- ▪ RAF jet carrying defence secretary has signal jammed near Russian border — BBC News — UK
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| Original publisher | World news | The Guardian |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/24/gps-jammed-on-raf-jet-carrying-uk-defence-secretary-close-to-russian-border |
| Publication time | Sun, 24 May 2026 22:40:17 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-24T22:47:34.910Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-24T23:43:07.549Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
John Healey, the defence secretary, disembarks from an RAF jet on a short visit to Tallinn, Estonia. The jet’s signal was jammed on his return to the UK. Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenJohn Healey, the defence secretary, disembarks from an RAF jet on a short visit to Tallinn, Estonia. The jet’s signal was jammed on his return to the UK. Photograph: Leon Neal/Getty ImagesRussiaGPS jammed on RAF jet carrying UK defence secretary close to Russian borderRussia suspected of obstructing signal on flight bringing John Healey home from visit to British troops in EstoniaNadeem BadshahSun 24 May 2026 18.40 EDTLast modified on Sun 24 May 2026 18.44 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAn RAF jet carrying the defence secretary, John Healey, had its signal jammed for the…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.
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