A recent report by OPS Group, a global aviation safety network, has highlighted a sharp rise in GPS interference across several global conflict zones, including India’s borders with Pakistan and Myanmar. This interference poses significant risks to passenger aircraft flying over these regions, raising serious safety concerns.
Causes of GPS Interference
According to the September report, the increase in GPS interference near borders stems from enhanced security measures and the widespread use of drones for illicit activities. These factors have contributed to the rise of “spoofing,” a cyberattack technique where false GPS signals are transmitted to deceive navigation systems. By manipulating GPS signals, spoofing can create false positions, speeds, or altitudes, leading to impaired navigation accuracy and potential aviation incidents.
To counter these threats, technologies like the Inertial Reference System (IRS) provide an alternative to GPS by calculating positions independently. The IRS offers similar accuracy and is unaffected by signal disruptions, making it a valuable backup for navigation systems in high-risk zones.
India has implemented GPS jamming technologies along its border with Pakistan to enhance security and combat drone-based smuggling operations. These drones, often used to transport narcotics, weapons, and counterfeit currency, have become a growing concern. Reports indicate that GPS interference in the region has reached levels of 10%, significantly hindering illegal drone activity. The Border Security Force (BSF) has recovered a range of contraband, including narcotics and small arms, thanks to these efforts.
Drone activity has surged in recent years, particularly along the India-Pakistan border. In Punjab alone, sightings increased from 48 in 2020 to 267 in 2022, accounting for over 83% of reported drone activities along this border. The eastern border has also seen a rise in drone use for smuggling gold, exotic wildlife, and other contraband from Myanmar and Bangladesh. While effective against drones, GPS jamming can inadvertently impact civilian navigation systems, affecting vehicle and aircraft operations in the vicinity.
Global Aviation Safety Concerns
The issue of GPS interference extends beyond border security and affects global aviation. During this year’s 14th Air Navigation Conference held by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, delegates addressed the growing risks posed by interference with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Such disruptions can compromise the accuracy of aircraft positioning and navigation systems, raising safety concerns.
To mitigate these risks, the conference proposed measures such as enhanced communication between stakeholders, improved information-sharing mechanisms, and the establishment of a global contingency plan for GNSS signal outages. These initiatives aim to reduce the impact of GPS interference on aviation safety and ensure continuity in navigation services.
The rising prevalence of GPS interference underscores the need for robust countermeasures and international collaboration. While advancements in jamming technologies and alternative navigation systems address immediate threats, a long-term strategy focused on securing navigation infrastructure and mitigating interference is essential for safeguarding both national security and global aviation operations.