In September 2025, a Widerøe Airlines flight attempting to land in Vardø, Norway, experienced GPS interference, highlighting the growing vulnerability of satellite navigation systems to jamming. The incident occurred approximately 40 miles from the Russian coast, during Russia's Zapad-2025 military exercises, which simulated a conflict scenario.

The flight was approaching Vardø under low cloud cover and limited visibility, conditions where pilots rely heavily on GPS for safe landings. European officials had observed frequent GPS interference in the region leading up to the Zapad-2025 exercise. They suspected that Russian forces were employing GPS-signal-smashing technology, a tactic reportedly used in both training and real-world conflict situations. Russia has previously denied some allegations of GPS interference.

GPS jamming, the deliberate disruption of GPS signals, poses a significant threat to various sectors globally, including aviation, maritime navigation, and critical infrastructure that depend on precise timing and location data. The vulnerability stems from the relatively weak signal strength of GPS satellites, making them susceptible to interference from ground-based jammers.

The incident in Norway underscores a broader concern about the weaponization of electronic warfare capabilities and their potential to disrupt civilian activities. As geopolitical tensions rise, the use of GPS jamming as a tool of coercion or disruption is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly in regions with heightened military activity.

The international community is grappling with how to address the challenge of GPS jamming. Potential solutions include developing more resilient GPS receivers, deploying alternative navigation systems, and establishing international norms to deter the malicious use of jamming technology. Some countries are investing in enhanced ground-based navigation systems as a backup to GPS, while others are exploring the use of alternative satellite constellations.