Spanish Military Jet Encounters GPS Disturbance Near Russia

In a concerning incident, a Spanish military jet carrying Defence Minister Margarita Robles experienced a GPS disturbance on Wednesday during its flight to Lithuania. The disruption occurred as the aircraft flew near Russia's Kaliningrad region, prompting the Spanish Defence Ministry to release a statement about the event.

The plane, which also carried relatives of Spanish airmen involved in NATO's air defence mission, was unaffected thanks to its encrypted system, according to a ministry spokesperson. The Spanish contingent, dubbed the Vilkas mission, recently intercepted eight Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

GPS jamming incidents are reported frequently in the region, with previous occurrences affecting high-profile flights, including that of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Bulgaria. The Finland military suggests such jamming practices by Russia are to safeguard strategic assets in the Baltic area.

(With inputs from agencies.)