December 20th, 2025 - U.S. and Venezuela's GPS Jamming in the Caribbean Increases Flight Risk Amid Rising Tensions

An escalating standoff between the United States and Venezuela has led both countries to use satellite signal jamming tactics in the Caribbean, which are increasing the risks for air and sea traffic in the region. U.S. warships, including the Navy's advanced aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford, have been targeting drug trafficking operations linked to the Venezuelan government, and data shows that they have been jamming GPS signals in the vicinity of their operations. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s armed forces have responded by jamming GPS signals around critical infrastructure such as military bases and oil facilities.

Both countries appear to be using jamming methods to defend against potential drone and missile attacks, which rely on GPS or similar systems for guidance. Experts argue that while these tactics are defensive, they have had serious consequences for civilian transport, especially in the Caribbean region. Airlines and commercial shipping vessels have been particularly affected by the disruptions in GPS services, increasing the risk of accidents and collisions.

The U.S. military's presence in the Caribbean has grown significantly, with a focus on curbing the flow of illegal drugs from Venezuela. However, the GPS jamming tactics have extended beyond military operations, causing widespread interference for commercial airlines. On December 12, a JetBlue flight from Curaçao reported a near-miss with a U.S. military plane after takeoff, highlighting the dangers posed by the disruption of navigation systems.

In addition to aviation, GPS interference has also affected maritime operations in the region. U.S. Coast Guard reports have documented instances where commercial ships, including tankers and cruise ships, have lost GPS signal for hours at a time while passing through waters affected by the jamming. For example, a tanker carrying Venezuelan oil reported a four-hour loss of GPS signals in November, leading to navigation difficulties.

The growing GPS jamming issue has led to increased concern among governments and international bodies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued warnings to pilots flying in and out of Puerto Rico and Venezuela, emphasizing the risks of operating in airspaces affected by military activity and GPS interference. Some airlines have already canceled flights to Venezuela due to these security concerns, further isolating the country and deepening the sense of siege among Venezuelans.

The impact of these military tactics is being felt most acutely by Venezuelan residents, many of whom have been unable to reunite with their families for the holidays. The interference in civilian air and sea traffic is a direct result of the U.S. and Venezuelan standoff, which has significantly disrupted daily life and exacerbated an already difficult situation for ordinary citizens, who bear the brunt of the geopolitical tensions between the two nations.

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Example: The ceremony was conducted with a decorous solemnity.

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