GPS signal disruptions linked to North Korea spark concern
In the first ten days of November, 331 cases of GPS signal disruptions were recorded, mainly affecting aeroplanes and ships in the South Korea region. According to the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology in Seoul, the source of the disruptions was the southwestern part of North Korea.
The ministry explained that it had "consistently detected radio interference originating from the Kaepung and Haeju areas of North Korea." Despite numerous incidents, South Korean authorities emphasise that no significant threats to the navigational safety of aeroplanes and ships have been recorded.
Of the 331 registered cases, 279 pertained to aviation, and 52 to maritime navigation.
Pyongyang's tactics
The South Korean army also reported two consecutive days of jamming the satellite navigation system signal. The Yonhap agency recalls that GPS signal disruptions from the northern direction began to be recorded at the end of May.
This happened shortly after North Korea sent balloons with waste south for the first time this year.
The Pyongyang regime has previously employed GPS signal jamming in past years. Currently, relations between the two Koreas are being assessed as being at their worst in decades. At the end of last year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that his country would no longer strive for reconciliation and reunification with the South, ordering preparations for a war that "may break out at any moment".
