Commercial vessels in the Black Sea have been reported using GPS jamming equipment. On October 11, 2026, Türkiye issued a warning on international maritime VHF Channel 16 concerning the unauthorised use of such devices in its territorial waters. Turkish authorities called on crews to stop using the equipment immediately because of the potential risks to maritime and aviation navigation.
According to the Bulgarian maritime publication Maritime.bg, the warning concerns commercial vessels travelling through Turkish territorial waters towards Russia. Journalists also documented a ship equipped with a GPS jamming system while passing through the Bosphorus. Such equipment is used to counter potential attacks by maritime and aerial drones.
These devices operate by generating radio interference that can disrupt the reception of satellite navigation signals. However, their effects are not necessarily limited to the vessel carrying them. GPS interference can reduce the accuracy of position data on nearby ships, complicate navigation in straits and port approaches, and potentially affect aircraft. This is particularly dangerous in high-traffic areas where accurate positioning is essential for safe operations.
Türkiye has warned that sanctions may be imposed on vessel crews using prohibited equipment. The situation adds another safety concern for Black Sea shipping amid the continuing threat of drone attacks. For agricultural cargo carriers, it highlights the importance of route safety, reliable navigation systems and compliance with coastal state regulations. However, the announcement does not introduce new restrictions on grain exports or the passage of commercial vessels through the Bosphorus.
Original source: Maritime.bg