U.K. Setting Up Test Facility to Help Protect Aircraft from GPS Jamming

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced plans to construct a test facility aimed at safeguarding military equipment from increasingly prevalent GPS jamming attempts by foreign powers.

Under a newly awarded £20 million contract to defence technology company QinetiQ, the advanced radio frequency, anti-jamming test centre will be established at the MOD's Boscombe Down site in Wiltshire. Scheduled to open in 2026, the facility will enhance the UK's capability to simulate hostile electromagnetic environments and assess the resilience of its military hardware.

The expansive structure, comparable in size to a conventional aircraft hangar, will be among the largest of its kind in Europe. Dubbed the 'silent hangar', it will provide a controlled environment for testing a wide array of equipment, including Protector drones, Chinook helicopters, armoured vehicles, and fast jets, ensuring their operational effectiveness amid harsh electromagnetic conditions.

The facility's design ensures that rigorous testing procedures do not interfere with other critical services such as emergency responders and air traffic control. This containment is crucial for conducting comprehensive assessments without external disruptions or unintended consequences.