Lyce · Hybrid Watch

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Sharp increase in GPS-/GNSS disturbances recorded in Latvian airspace.

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In the first three months of 2025, Latvia recorded 290 instances of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) interference within its airspace — an increase of around 55 % compared to the same period in the previous year. The disruption spans national skies and, although flight safety remained intact (pilots switched to alternate systems), it exposed significant vulnerability in air-navigation integrity. Latvia’s position along the Baltic corridor makes it susceptible to jamming signals originating from neighbouring Russian territory or proximate maritime zones. By targeting the navigation layer rather than performing a overt strike, the actor increases complexity for civil-aviation authorities, forces investment in backup systems and disrupts the sense of security in national airspace. Latvian aviation representatives flagged that some of the interference aligns with broader Baltic-Sea GPS-jamming patterns traced to Russian sources. The incident underscores that Latvia’s defence concerns extend into electronic-navigation domains and that hybrid operations may target civilian transport infrastructure to exert strategic pressure.

Occurrence
Publication
First observed
Review status
Not assessed
Countries
Latvia
Updated

Attribution

Pattern-compatible

Facts

No facts

Sources

  1. Role
    Discovery lead
    Publication

    In the first three months of 2025, Latvia recorded 290 instances of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) interference within its airspace — an increase of around 55 % compared to the same period in the previous year. The disruption spans national skies and, although flight safety remained intact (pilots switched to alternate systems), it exposed significant vulnerability in air-navigation integrity. Latvia’s position along the Baltic corridor makes it susceptible to jamming signals originating from neighbouring Russian territory or proximate maritime zones. By targeting the navigation layer rather than performing a overt strike, the actor increases complexity for civil-aviation authorities, forces investment in backup systems and disrupts the sense of security in national airspace. Latvian aviation representatives flagged that some of the interference aligns with broader Baltic-Sea GPS-jamming patterns traced to Russian sources. The incident underscores that Latvia’s defence concerns extend into electronic-navigation domains and that hybrid operations may target civilian transport infrastructure to exert strategic pressure.