Russia has intensified GPS jamming in the Baltic Sea

Russia has stepped up GPS jamming in the Archipelago and Åland Seas, which are parts of the Baltic Sea.

The jamming makes it difficult to determine the location of GPS receivers on boats and ships. It can also affect the operation of other devices, Yle reports.

The Coast Guard of Western Finland warns of increased interference with satellite positioning devices in the Archipelago and Åland Seas.

In recent years, the jamming has been concentrated in the Gulf of Finland, but it is now periodically observed as far west as the Åland Islands.

According to Pekka Niittül, deputy commander of the Coast Guard of Western Finland, the jamming signal comes from Russia. The aim is to protect critical ports that have recently been attacked by Ukraine.

The Coast Guard emphasizes that in case of interference, it is important to know how to use a traditional paper nautical chart, which you should always carry with you.

“On small boats, GPS receivers are low, so the impact of the interference signal is minimal. The most difficulties arise on ship-class vessels,” the Coast Guard said.

According to Niittil, shipping companies are usually aware of the possibility of interference, so ships are prepared to navigate based on radar images and nautical charts.USM previously reported that a cluster of Russian intruding vessels was “recorded” in the Baltic Sea.