South Korea has accused North Korea of conducting GPS jamming operations on Friday and Saturday, disrupting the navigation of several ships and dozens of civilian aircraft. Seoul’s military reported that the attacks were launched from the North’s Haeju and Kaesong regions, and warned vessels and aircraft operating in the Yellow Sea to exercise caution. This latest move from Pyongyang comes shortly after its recent test of an advanced solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and amid heightened regional tensions.
In response, South Korea conducted a drill on Friday, firing a Hyunmoo surface-to-surface missile into the West Sea as a show of strength. This missile is part of Seoul’s “Kill Chain” system, designed to preemptively counter any imminent North Korean threats. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff condemned North Korea’s jamming efforts, warning Pyongyang of its responsibility for any incidents arising from these actions.
Experts expressed concern over the dangers posed by GPS jamming, which can increase the risk of accidents, including potential aircraft collisions. Analysts suggest North Korea may be using these tactics to obscure its own military communications amid joint operations with Russia, as Pyongyang has reportedly sent around 10,000 troops to aid Moscow’s efforts in Ukraine. Such involvement has sparked criticism from South Korea, Kyiv, and other Western nations, as well as concerns over North Korea’s military support to Russia, including artillery and missile supplies.
With North Korea’s recent intensification of missile testing and provocative actions, inter-Korean relations remain at a low. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has indicated that Seoul may now consider providing arms to Ukraine, deviating from its long-standing stance on non-provision of weapons to countries in conflict. Additionally, pro-Russian hacking groups have reportedly increased cyberattacks on South Korea, compounding the security challenges faced by Seoul amid North Korea’s growing support for Moscow.
