Ursula von der Leyen's plane targeted by suspected Russian GPS jamming

On August 31, 2025, a significant incident occurred as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's plane approached Plovdiv Airport in Bulgaria. The aircraft was affected by a suspected Russian GPS jamming attack, raising concerns regarding the threats posed by electronic warfare. Bulgarian authorities reported a loss of contact with the aircraft's GPS navigation system during its landing approach. The plane, however, landed safely by utilizing ground navigation aids independent of GPS technology. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions related to geopolitical threats, especially considering von der Leyen's tour of EU countries neighboring Russia and its ally Belarus. The European Commission has been vocal in condemning actions it attributes to Russia, which has a history of employing GPS jamming to disrupt regional air travel and maritime operations. This behavior is part of a broader trend of electronic warfare tactics that have been increasingly observed in areas near Russian borders. The incident on von der Leyen's flight underscores the EU's urgent need to reinforce its defense measures and support for Ukraine as the conflict in the region continues to escalate. The European leaders are aware that the spectrum of threats includes not only conventional warfare but also sophisticated electronic and hybrid threats. Following the incident, European Commission spokesperson Arianna Podesta confirmed that the jamming had occurred and emphasized the seriousness of the situation, which she referred to as blatant interference by Russia. Von der Leyen, known for her strong stance against Russian aggression, has been on a mission to unify EU member states as part of a coordinated response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Her visit to Bulgaria was part of a series of engagements with countries that are directly impacted by Russian tactics and posturing in the region. In conclusion, the jamming of von der Leyen's plane serves as a stark reminder of the very real threats faced by political leaders in Europe and highlights the ongoing commitment of the EU to strengthen its defense strategies in response to Russian hostilities. The incident is likely to propel further discussions on enhancing the defense capabilities within the EU framework and ensuring that member states remain vigilant against various forms of hybrid warfare.