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GPS Jamming Affecting Israel Comes from Russian Base in Syria

(Times of Israel) Judah Ari Gross - The signal that has been disrupting satellite navigation for planes flying through Israeli airspace in recent weeks originates inside a Russian air base inside Syria, according to Todd Humphreys, a professor at the University of Texas. This interference to GPS reception does not appear to be specifically directed at Israel, but rather is likely collateral damage as Russia seeks to protect its troops from drone attacks after a large suicide drone attack on Russian forces in Syria. Using sensors onboard the International Space Station, Humphreys and his team were able to identify the source of the signal as Russia's Khmeimim Air Base in western Syria. "[The signal] is so strong that I can see it from space," said Humphreys, an aerospace engineer specializing in satellite-based navigation. Since the interference began, planes in Israel have had to use an alternative method for landings, known as the Instrument Landing System. "It is a safe and professional method that is used every day in airports around the world, including Israel," the Israel Airports Authority said.
2019-07-01 00:00:00
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