NATO to Purchase Portable Jamming Kits for Training
The command seeks mobile systems to simulate GPS and drone link interference for training exercises starting in 2026.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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NATO plans to acquire six portable electronic jamming kits to simulate GPS and drone interference for training exercises. The command aims to issue a request for proposals on October 26, 2026, to help crews practice navigating in contested electromagnetic environments.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses the need for realistic training as NATO crews face increasingly common electronic interference along the alliance's eastern flank. By replicating actual jamming conditions, the command aims to improve the ability of units to detect and adapt to signal loss.
The systems must be capable of jamming GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou constellations while also targeting drone video links at 5 to 6 GHz and control links between 400 MHz and 3 GHz. Each portable kit must maintain battery power for four hours and allow for remote control via encrypted satellite links.
The players
Headquarters Supreme Allied Commander Transformation
The NATO command based in Norfolk, Virginia, responsible for identifying and implementing military modernization needs.
Ursula von der Leyen
The President of the European Commission whose aircraft experienced navigation signal loss in 2025.
The details
The jamming kits generate electromagnetic interference using a combination of omnidirectional and directional antennas. By creating a controlled blackout zone, these systems force equipment to lose connectivity, compelling operators to identify and mitigate the disruption. NATO requires each unit to be fully deployable within 30 minutes, ensuring high mobility for diverse training environments.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: NATO plans to issue the request for proposals.
November 30, 2026: Deadline for industry bids.
December 11, 2026: Expected contract award date.
The Tech Race
This effort shifts NATO from reactive monitoring of jamming incidents toward active simulation of contested electromagnetic spectrums. The project benchmarks against years of reported GPS interference across the Baltic Sea and eastern Europe.
While these kits are limited to military training use, their deployment underscores the increasing frequency of signal interference in civilian airspace. Operators in affected regions should expect continued emphasis on alternative navigation protocols during these exercises.
The takeaway
NATO is formalizing its training strategy to counter the frequent electronic interference observed in European airspace over the last three years. Observers should track the December 11, 2026, contract award to see which defense contractors supply the mobile jamming hardware.
What happens next
The request for proposals will be issued on October 26, 2026, followed by a bid deadline on November 30 and an expected contract award on December 11, 2026.
Further reading
For more on evolving threats to regional communications, visit the Cybersecurity section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TechRadar.
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Is the military use of signal-jamming technology worth the potential risk to civilian communication networks?
