Photo: Vesa Moilanen / Lehtikuva
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Finnish soldiers are retraining in manual navigation methods, including the use of paper maps and compasses, in preparation for combat scenarios where satellite-based systems like GPS are no longer reliable.
The renewed focus on basic skills is a response to lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine, where electronic warfare has disrupted both Russian and Ukrainian operations. According to Colonel Matti Honko, commander of Finland’s Guard Jaeger Regiment, GPS spoofing and jamming are no longer hypothetical threats.
“Everyone has recognised the fact that GPS can be spoofed, and you might not be able to rely on it,” Honko said during a recent military exercise in southern Finland. He spoke on the sidelines of Lively Sabre 25, a large-scale training event held in late May.
The training shift doesn’t mean Finland is abandoning GPS. Instead, the military is building redundancy into its battlefield operations. Soldiers are taught to confirm digital coordinates against traditional maps and to question whether satellite-derived locations make sense in the field.
“If spoofed data sends you somewhere inaccurate, it could compromise an entire operation,” Honko said.
Electronic warfare has become a dominant element in modern conflicts, not only in Ukraine but also in other regions. In the Middle East, Israel and its adversaries have routinely interfered with satellite signals. Naval forces in the Red Sea have faced months of GPS disruption as they work to secure maritime traffic from attacks by Houthi rebels.
Finland’s geographic location adds urgency to the issue. Its long eastern border with Russia places it within range of potential electronic interference, particularly from St. Petersburg’s air defence systems. GPS jamming has already been reported in the region.
“This is real,” said Honko. “You can see for yourself that, yes, my GPS isn’t working.”
The broader Finnish Defence Forces are adapting to the same reality. While exact methods vary, the Army, Navy, and Air Force are all reviewing their exposure to satellite vulnerabilities. The aim is to ensure that if digital systems fail, operations can still proceed.
Defence industry players are also reacting. Companies like Saildrone in the United States are designing drones and vessels that can operate autonomously in spoofed or jammed conditions. According to CEO Richard Jenkins, some Saildrone units used by the US Navy have been navigating in compromised zones for extended periods.
“In a real conflict, satellites will be the first thing to go,” Jenkins said. “Everyone needs to work out how to survive without them.”
For Finland, the takeaway is clear. As digital threats expand, so must the military’s ability to operate without them. That starts, once again, with a paper map and a compass.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
