Hybrid warfare from orbit: russian satellites disrupt GPS signals across Europe
American researchers have linked a series of GPS disruptions recorded across Europe and North America since 2019 to russian satellites.
Out of 75 documented cases of short-term GPS signal interference, researchers found that at least three were caused by transmissions originating from satellites belonging to russia’s missile attack early warning system. All incidents featured the same type of signal and were primarily detected over European countries.
The satellites in question are part of russia’s Unified Space System (EKS). They operate in highly elliptical “Molniya” orbits and are designed to detect ballistic missile launches and nuclear explosions.
Such interference can affect navigation services, logistics systems, geolocation-based mobile applications, and other technologies widely used by civilians on a daily basis.
The European Union is conducting its own investigation into the incidents and is working to improve its capabilities for detecting and locating similar sources of interference.
russia continues to employ hybrid warfare tools against Western countries — ranging from cyberattacks and sabotage operations to interference with navigation and communication systems.
