North Korea recently launched Global Positioning System (GPS) jamming attacks that disrupted navigation for several South Korean civilian ships and planes in areas near Haeju and Kaesong, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
These jamming attacks reportedly began on Friday and continued on Saturday. In response, South Korea fired a Hyunmoo surface-to-surface missile into the sea on Friday to signal its readiness to counter further provocations. It has also called on North Korea to immediately stop the jamming, warning that Pyongyang will be held responsible for any incidents caused by these actions.
GPS jamming disrupts the navigation systems that ships and planes rely on for safe travel. While no accidents have been reported, South Korean officials warned that such interference could lead to serious incidents. Experts say North Korea may use jamming to protect its own military operations or to intimidate South Korea.
The incident follows North Korea’s recent test of a powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile on November 2. It echoes a similar incident in May, when hundreds of South Korean planes and ships experienced GPS problems due to North Korean jamming.
Tensions between North and South Korea have escalated in recent weeks due to North Korea’s military support for Russia in Ukraine, including alleged shipments of weapons and the deployment of around 10,000 troops to assist Russian forces. In response to Pyongyang’s growing ties with Moscow, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol recently suggested that Seoul may consider sending weapons to Ukraine, marking a shift in South Korea’s stance on providing arms to nations in active conflict.
