Russia is believed to be behind a GPS jamming incident targeting an RAF jet carrying John Healey.
The defense Secretary was visiting British soldiers in Estonia when the electronic attack unfolded.
Pilots were forced into using a difficult navigation system for the entire three-hour flight.
Smartphones and laptops were unable to connect to the internet.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
Despite the incident, the Dassault Falcon 900LX could still fly safely, passengers were told.
It’s unclear if Mr Healey was deliberately targeted but the aircraft was visible on tracking websites, according to The Times.
A defense source said: ‘This is reckless Russian interference, but the RAF is well prepared to deal with this activity.’
Just last week, the Ministry of defense said two Russian jets had ‘repeatedly and dangerously’ intercepted an RAF spy plane above the Black Sea.
A Russian Su-35 triggered a British reconnaissance aircraft’s emergency systems and disabled the autopilot after flying too close to it.
An Su-27 also flew within six meters from an Rivet Joint’s nose.
The MoD described it as the most dangerous Russian action against a British Rivet Joint aircraft since 2022 when a plane fired a missile over the Black Sea.
Discover more from USNewsRank
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
