Navigation chaos
"Artificial disturbances"
The backbones of global navigation
Intense political climate
No official blame
How GPS jamming works
Research offensive
Concentrated expertise
Millions in EU funding
Protection of critical infrastructure

Mysterious GPS and other satellite signal outages are becoming increasingly frequent in the Baltic Sea. Ships and aircraft are losing their bearings mid-operation, but the cause is still to be determined.

"Artificial disturbances"

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) website clearly states that the interference is "artificial". This means that someone or something is actively interfering with the global satellite navigation system. But who – and why?

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Whether GPS, Galileo, or GLONASS, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are in use worldwide. Almost everything functions with them, from shipping to smartphones. Deliberately interfering with them is extremely dangerous.

Photo: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash

Intense political climate

Researchers see a clear connection between the Russian attack on Ukraine and the increase in disruptions of global navigation systems, particularly in the Baltic region. The Baltic states and Finland are also affected.

No official blame

Although no one has named a specific perpetrator, security circles suspect that the disruptions could originate from Russian-controlled areas, with military intent.

How GPS jamming works

So-called jamming technologies are common. These manipulate real satellite signals – sometimes with devices small enough to fit in a backpack.

Photo: Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Research offensive

A coalition of German research institutes is now systematically investigating the disruptions. The goal is to uncover the causes, develop protective measures, and strengthen security in the Baltic Sea region.

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Concentrated expertise

Those participating include the DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation, the DLR Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics, the Leibniz Institute of Atmospheric Physics, and the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research.

Millions in EU funding

The state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is supporting the project with €5 million ($5.9 million) using EU funds. The gesture is a strong signal for research and resilience in the digital age.

Photo: Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Protection of critical infrastructure

Satellite navigation is no longer just a convenience. Disruptions also affect police, emergency services, aviation, and shipping. A stable GNSS system is therefore vital.

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