Israeli aircraft navigation systems hit by unexplained disruption
Israeli aircraft navigation systems hit by unexplained disruption
Aeroplanes flying over Israel have seen unexplained disruption to their GPS navigation systems. Israeli media sources have pointed the finger at Russia, which has denied any role.
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Aircraft navigation systems have become unreliable over Israel since early June [Getty]
Israeli authorities say navigation systems in Israel's airspace have experienced significant disruption since early June, creating confusion but not adversely affecting aeroplane safety.
Israel's Airports Authority said Thursday that, contrary to public speculation, the unexplained GPS disturbance did not appear to be a direct attack on Israel. It said it was still investigating and trying to solve the problem.
Suspicions in Israeli media fell on Russia, which operates an air base at Hmeimim in neighbouring Syria, 350 kilometres north of Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, which is near Tel Aviv.
he base uses electronic warfare to protect its military aircraft, which frequently carry out strikes against civilian targets in rebel-held areas of Syria.
Israeli officials declined to comment on the reports. The Russian ambassador to Israel, however, said that the Israeli media reports were “fake news” which could not be taken seriously.
Aviation authorities said the incursion impacts cockpit operations, specifically flight routes, but not take-offs or landings.
They say they have "changed some of the entry proceedings for landing" at Ben-Gurion Airport, without elaborating.
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