(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) GPS SPOOFING

(MAY-2025)

GPS SPOOFING

Context:

A recent incident involving an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft has brought attention to a serious and growing threat—GPS Spoofing. While flying on a relief mission to Myanmar under Operation Brahma, an IAF aircraft experienced tampering with its GPS signals, raising critical concerns over the cybersecurity and safety of aviation systems.

What Happened?

On March 29, 2025, India sent a C-130J aircraft carrying relief materials to earthquake-hit Myanmar. As the plane entered Myanmar’s airspace, the pilots noticed interference in the GPS signals. This is suspected to be a GPS spoofing attack. Thankfully, the aircraft’s backup system — the Inertial Navigation System (INS) — was immediately activated, allowing the mission to continue safely.

Even Mandalay International Airport had already issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) mentioning degraded GPS availability in the region.

What is GPS Spoofing?

GPS Spoofing is a cyberattack in which fake GPS signals are transmitted to confuse navigation systems like those in aircraft, ships, or even mobile networks.
It is different from GPS jamming, which involves blocking real GPS signals so the receiver cannot find its location. In spoofing, false location data is sent to trick the GPS receiver into thinking it is somewhere else.
This is far more dangerous than jamming because spoofing is intentional, silent, and can mislead pilots or operators without them even noticing until it’s too late.

How GPS Works in Aviation?

Aircraft use the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), commonly known as GPS, to determine their exact position, altitude, and timing. This system depends on signals from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth.

If these signals are jammed or spoofed, the aircraft may:

Lose its true position
Fly in wrong directions
Risk collision or airspace violations

Types of GPS Attacks GPS Jamming

Sends high-power signals to block real GPS signals
Makes the receiver unable to detect its actual position
Can be caused by solar storms, but is increasingly seen in conflict zones
Small devices (as small as a mobile phone) can be used to jam signals

GPS Spoofing

Fake signals are sent to fool the GPS receiver
Tricks the system into thinking it’s in a completely different location
Can misguide aircraft, ships, or vehicles without alerting operators
Often used in grey-zone warfare or cyber warfare Real-World Dangers of GPS Spoofing

Aviation Risks

Aircraft deviation from flight paths
Mid-air collisions or airspace violations
Rescue missions delayed due to wrong GPS data Maritime Risks
Ships veer off course, risking collisions or environmental disasters
Cargo delays, impacting global trade Logistics & Supply Chain
Wrong deliveries by trucks, drones, or ships
Increased costs due to rerouting and delays Telecommunications
Mobile networks depend on GPS for timing

• Spoofing can cause call drops, internet failure, and 5G issues

Energy Sector

Power grids need GPS for timing and synchronisation
Spoofing can cause blackouts, especially in renewable energy systems Defense and Military
Military drones or missiles could be misdirected
Troop movements and battlefield coordination can be disrupted
National security at serious risk

India’s Steps to Tackle GPS Spoofing

India is taking some important measures to protect its aviation and defense systems from such threats:

Indigenous Navigation System – NAVIC

India has developed its own navigation system called NAVIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). It provides an Indian alternative to GPS, especially useful during emergencies or warfare.

Advanced Aircraft Systems

IAF aircraft are equipped with backup systems like INS (Inertial Navigation System) that do not rely on GPS.

Regulatory Measures by DGCA

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has instructed airlines to use indigenous GNSS receivers and adopt GAGAN, India’s satellite-based augmentation system.

Sensor Deployment for Spoofing Detection

India can deploy ground and airborne sensors to quickly detect and trace spoofing sources using triangulation methods.

Secure Communication Tools – SAMBHAV

The Indian Army has developed SAMBHAV, a secure mobile ecosystem. While not directly an anti-spoofing tool, its encrypted communication adds an extra layer of cybersecurity.

Technology Innovation & Self-Reliance

India must invest in producing low-cost indigenous NAVIC receivers, especially for defense and aviation, avoiding dependence on foreign-made (especially Chinese) hardware.