What is GPS Spoofing?

December 30, 2024

Instances of GPS interference, including spoofing, are escalating, particularly in conflict zones, which are critical near India’s borders with Pakistan and Myanmar, where over 10% of aircraft reported navigation inaccuracies. OPSGROUP, a network of aviation professionals, marks these areas as concerns.

About GPS Spoofing

GPS spoofing involves sending counterfeit signals to mislead navigation systems. This cyberattack is prevalent in conflict zones and predominantly targets drones. The first identification of spoofing occurred in northern Iraq in September 2023, with new hotspots emerging in 2024.

Recent Incidents and Impacts

The Azerbaijan Airlines crash on December 25, 2024, which resulted in 38 fatalities, was linked to GPS interference. Russian air defense operations against Ukrainian drones were implicated in this tragic event. Daily spoofing incidents surged globally from 300 in January to 1,500 by August 2024.

Affected Regions and Reporting

Delhi’s airspace has witnessed GPS spoofing, affecting 316 flights in one month. Pilots frequently report interference on routes from Amritsar and northern India to international destinations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has advised airlines to establish safety protocols, although reporting is infrequent and data remains undisclosed.

Aircraft are equipped with backup navigation tools, such as the Inertial Reference System, which can operate independently of GPS for up to five hours. Despite this, pilots describe the experience of GPS spoofing as severely limiting, often resulting in erroneous speed readings and misleading terrain warnings.

Global Response and Concerns

The UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization addressed these issues at a safety conference in Montreal in late 2024. The organisation expressed alarm over the increasing harmful interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). It urged military authorities to inform aviation officials about intentional GPS disruptions to enhance safety measures.

GKToday Notes:
OPSGROUP: OPSGROUP is a network of 8,000 aviation professionals. It shares crucial flight safety information. It marks areas with navigation issues, especially in conflict zones.
GPS Spoofing: GPS spoofing sends fake signals to mislead navigation systems. It is a cyberattack commonly used in conflict areas. This tactic primarily targets drones and aircraft.
Inertial Reference System: The Inertial Reference System is a backup navigation tool for aircraft. It operates independently of GPS for up to five hours. It helps maintain navigation accuracy during GPS failures.

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