Government Reports Aircraft GPS Interference Cases Over the Past Two Years

Context:

• The government has reported a rising number of incidents involving GPS and GNSS interference affecting aircraft navigation.

• Such interference through spoofing and jamming raises serious concerns for aviation safety and internal security.

Key Highlights: – Navigation System Manipulation Threat

Scientific Principle / Case Facts

• The government recorded 1,951 instances of GPS/GNSS interference over the last two years.

• These incidents involve deliberate attempts to disrupt satellite-based navigation systems.

Types of Interference Reported

• GPS Spoofing

  • Transmitting false GPS signals to mislead receivers about their actual location.

• GPS Jamming

  • Overpowering genuine GPS signals with noise, preventing accurate reception.

Stakeholders Involved

• Civil aviation authorities

• Air traffic control systems

• Airlines and pilots

• Security agencies monitoring hostile manipulation

• Satellite navigation infrastructure providers

Significance / Concerns

• Such disruptions threaten the reliability of navigation systems, increasing risks of:

  • Navigational errors

  • Air traffic mismanagement

  • Potential accidents

  • National security vulnerabilities

Relevant Prelims Points:

• GPS (Global Positioning System)

  • US-based satellite navigation system providing location and timing services.

• GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)

  • Umbrella term for satellite navigation systems such as:

    • GPS (USA)

    • GLONASS (Russia)

    • Galileo (EU)

    • BeiDou (China)

• GPS Spoofing

  • A cyber-electronic attack where false signals deceive aircraft navigation systems.

• GPS Jamming

  • Disruption caused by blocking satellite signals, leading to loss of navigation accuracy.

• Impact on Aviation

  • Aircraft depend heavily on GNSS for:

    • Route navigation

    • Landing assistance

    • Air traffic coordination

  • Interference can compromise operational safety.

Relevant Mains Points:

• Internal Security Dimension

  • GPS manipulation can be used as a tool of:

    • Hybrid warfare

    • Terrorist disruption

    • Cross-border electronic interference

  • Raises concerns over protection of critical infrastructure.

• Science & Technology Challenges

  • Increasing dependence on satellite navigation makes aviation vulnerable to electronic attacks.

  • Requires development of resilient navigation backups.

• Government Response and Way Forward

  • Authorities are working to:

    • Identify sources of interference

    • Strengthen monitoring systems

    • Improve aviation cybersecurity protocols

    • Deploy alternative navigation aids beyond GNSS

• Way Forward

  • Enhanced coordination between aviation regulators and security agencies

  • Investment in anti-jamming and spoofing detection technology

  • Strengthening indigenous navigation systems like NavIC for redundancy

UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):

• GS 3 (Science & Tech): Satellite navigation systems, spoofing and jamming technologies

• GS 3 (Internal Security): Threats to aviation infrastructure, electronic warfare

• Prelims: Concepts of GNSS, GPS spoofing, GPS jamming