In the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea, maritime satellite navigation systems have begun experiencing systematic Russian interference on an unprecedented scale, as reported by Yle.
Cases of GPS spoofing—deliberately misleading navigation systems—have become particularly frequent. In such attacks, a vessel receives a fake signal, causing its equipment to display an incorrect location. Attackers typically make minor adjustments to the course so the crew does not immediately notice the error. The research vessel Aranda already encountered such issues in spring 2025.
The situation in the Baltic is further complicated by the fact that modern shipping is critically dependent on satellites, while many alternative navigation systems were dismantled in recent years. Professor Sanna Kaasalainen from the Finnish Geospatial Information Center notes that protecting maritime transport from such attacks is extremely difficult. As a result, aviation and shipping sectors have begun reintroducing older navigation methods that are not affected by global satellite interference. In particular, many countries have restored long-forgotten radio beacons.
Experts from Finnish research centers and universities are exploring ways to ensure safe navigation amid constant interference. One solution is hybrid navigation, which simultaneously uses data from multiple independent sources, including sensors and maps. However, developing a system that can automatically switch to the most reliable source requires extensive research. Finland also sees the need for a specialized service to provide a real-time picture of interference levels.
The European Union, together with the European Space Agency, is working on a longer-term solution. A system based on small satellites in low Earth orbit is being developed. This new system will use a wider range of frequencies, making it much harder for attackers to cause interference. At the end of last year, Galileo’s system verification service became available, allowing users to confirm the authenticity of received signals. Nevertheless, full deployment of a new secure positioning system will take several more years.
