GPS interference over the Baltic Sea - what to do when a drone loses control?

In recent days, drone pilots over and around the Baltic Sea (including Gdynia, Gdansk, Sopot, and the especially on the Hel Peninsula) are experiencing major disruptions to GPS systems. This manifests itself in location errors, loss of position, uncontrolled flights and even emergency landings or drone falls. This applies to both recreational users and professionals.

The interference is strong enough to affect not only GPS systems, but also drones equipped with RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) systems, which until now were considered reliable. In this article you will learn more about this topic and advise you on how to deal with such a situation.

What is the source of the interference?

In all likelihood, we are dealing with intentional jamming of the GPS signal. One can speculate here who is responsible for such procedures. Possible causes are:

• military exercises in the Baltic region
• active jamming systems (so-called GPS "jammers") from military units or mobile platforms
• increased activity of electronic warfare (EW) systems

This phenomenon is not local - similar cases have been reported previously in the Baltic States and Scandinavia. Currently, however, the problem is also affecting northern Poland, including urban and coastal areas.

What are the symptoms?

GPS interference can lead to:

• mislocation of the drone (even by hundreds of meters)
• unstable flight or "drifting" in the air
• sudden switching of modes (from GPS to ATTI)
• loss of control by the pilot
• emergency return or unexpected landing
• in extreme cases - the fall of the machine

What to do in the situation of GPS interference?

Here are specific recommendations from Megadron specialists:

1. Lower the flight ceiling to a minimum

   Interference is often "broadcast" from sea level or from a specific direction (e.g., ships, ports). Lowering the flight to a minimum (e.g., 5-10 m AGL) reduces the likelihood of interference, as interfering waves can be shielded by trees, buildings or terrain.

2. Don't fly in high-risk areas

   Avoid such locations as:
   - Hel Peninsula (due to the presence of the military)
   - tri-City area and ports
   - open sea or areas by the water

3. Change flight mode to manual / ATTI

   If your drone allows you to switch to ATTI (Attitude Mode) - do it when you notice instability in GPS. In ATTI, the drone does not use satellite location, but holds its position thanks to the barometer and IMU.
   Note: ATTI mode requires experience - the drone does not "stand still", but drifts, so you need to actively control it.

4. Be ready to take control - train for emergency scenarios

   If you do not have access to ATTI mode, use Sport mode - will allow to quickly move away from the source of interference and maintain a stable trajectory.

5. RTK won't always help

   Although RTK improves localization accuracy, when the base signal (GPS) is interfered with, the system also loses reliability, especially above 30-40 meters altitude. RTK relies on a reference signal, which can also be interfered with.

What you can do preventively?

• Check GPS status before takeoff and signal quality
• Monitor air warnings, especially in coastal areas, announcements from the ULC and PAŻP
• DroneTower app shows current warnings, has also introduced a zone to inform about threats
• Check the zones around military and port facilities
• Train yourself to fly in manual and emergency modes
• Plan flights in sheltered terrain - forests, cities, valleys
• Set height restrictions in the control application

Summary

Safety is a priority. At Megadron, we keep abreast of the GPS disruption situation on a regular basis. Our team is testing and analyzing the impact of these disruptions on a variety of drone systems - from recreational to industrial. The current situation shows that even the best-equipped drone is not immune to external interference.

That's why we appeal: fly responsibly, don't ignore signs of GPS instability, and plan each flight with a safety margin. Where possible - practice manual modes and emergency scenarios.

If you have any questions or service, we are at your service - we will advise and answer additional questions.