Ireland Retains Outdated Navigation Systems Due to Russian Jamming Concerns

Ireland is retaining outdated aircraft navigation systems, despite warnings they are nearing end-of-life, because they are less susceptible to Russian jamming attacks than modern satellite-based technology. This decision comes amid a dramatic increase in civilian aircraft navigation jamming and spoofing incidents, particularly since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

An International Air Transport Association report noted a 67% increase in jamming and a 193% increase in spoofing incidents between 2023 and 2025. While these primarily affect Eastern Europe and the Middle East, Irish officials are concerned about risks to Irish airspace, with incidents already occurring over the Atlantic.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is slowing its program to replace ground-based beacons with GPS-reliant satellite systems. The National Airspace Policy Body (NAPB) discussed these concerns in February 2024 and May 2025. The Air Corps warned against optimism for a full transition to satellite systems by 2030, recommending the retention of traditional aids. AirNav Ireland noted many conventional aids are nearing end-of-life, but the IAA stated a risk-based approach is being taken.

Approximately 1,500 flights daily experience GPS jamming, often attributed to Russia and Israel. Government records also show successful jamming of civilian aircraft communications in Irish-controlled airspace, including one incident originating in Russia affecting a high-frequency radio channel. The IAA confirmed ground-based systems are retained as part of a resilience strategy, assuring that older systems are regularly inspected and meet safety requirements.