GPS Interference: A Growing Threat to Global Navigation and Security

Context

In recent years, GPS interference has emerged as a growing threat to global navigation systems, especially affecting aircraft and seafaring vessels. With increasing reliance on GPS for both civilian and military operations, any disruption poses significant safety, security, and geopolitical risks. The issue has gained critical relevance amidst ongoing conflicts, cyber warfare, and rising technological vulnerabilities.

What is GPS and GPS Interference?

• The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space-based radio navigation system, owned by the U.S. Government and operated by the United States Air Force (USAF).

• It provides:

  • 3D positioning with meter-level accuracy.

  • Time accuracy to the 10-nanosecond level.

  • 24/7 global coverage for navigation and timing.

GPS Interference refers to deliberate or accidental disruption of GPS signals, primarily through:

• Jamming – Blocking or overpowering the original signals.

• Spoofing – Sending fake signals to mislead GPS receivers.

Types of GPS Interference

1. GPS Jamming

• Uses a jammer device that emits strong radio signals at GPS frequencies.

• Prevents GPS receivers from detecting authentic signals.

• Effect: Completely disables GPS-based location and timing.

2. GPS Spoofing

• Sends false signals on the same frequency as GPS satellites.

• Tricks receivers into interpreting incorrect positional or timing data.

• Effect: Misguides vehicles by feeding them false locations instead of cutting signals.

While both are cyber threats, spoofing manipulates the system; jamming simply disables it.

Causes of GPS Interference

• Electromagnetic radiation from nearby electronics.

• Atmospheric disruptions: ionospheric disturbances, solar flares.

• Deliberate attacks using jamming/spoofing devices.

• Cyber warfare and espionage in conflict-prone zones.

Why is GPS Interference Dangerous?

Military Operations at Risk

• Spoofing can mislead fighter jets or drones, increasing chances of collisions or navigation errors.

• In 2024, around 700 GPS spoofing incidents were reported daily worldwide, highlighting the growing scale.

Civilian Transport Disruptions

• Navigation failures may lead to:

  • Airplane accidents

  • Maritime groundings

  • Traffic mismanagement

Maritime Navigation Threats

• Spoofing can cause sudden course deviation, aiding piracy or collision.

• Persian Gulf and Red Sea are vulnerable areas.

• As per Windward (Q1 2025) data:

  • 350% increase in spoofing incidents in the Red Sea compared to 2024.

  • Some ships reported location jumps of hundreds of nautical miles.

Geopolitical Tensions

• Accusations of GPS sabotage may escalate into:

  • Diplomatic standoffs

  • Cyber retaliation

  • Military conflicts

Airspace Avoidance Measures

• Aircraft avoid regions with spoofing threats.

• Example: Restricted airspace during the Russia–Ukraine war to prevent GPS-related mishaps.

Overdependence on GPS

• Reliance makes systems vulnerable during denial of access.

• India faced this during:

  • 1999 Kargil War

  • 2009 and 2012 BrahMos missile tests – U.S. denied GPS access.

False Data Risks

• May lead to:

  • Aircraft collisions

  • Civilian ship accidents

  • Unintended territorial entry

How Can GPS Interference Be Prevented?

1. Use of Alternative Navigation Systems

• Inertial Navigation System (INS):

  • Uses gyroscopes and accelerometers to calculate position without external signals.

• VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME):

  • Provide ground-based navigation support.

• Instrument Landing System (ILS):

  • Helps in precision landing, unaffected by spoofing.

2. Enhanced Pilot and Crew Training

• Encourage vigilance and communication with air traffic control.

• Detect suspicious GPS behaviour and switch to manual navigation.

3. Advanced Alert Systems

• Automated systems to detect spoofing/jamming.

• Immediate switching from auto-pilot to manual mode if needed.

4. Terrestrial Navigation Methods

• Involve manual checks using:

  • Lighthouses

  • Radar systems

  • Visual or coastal navigation aids

What Lies Ahead?

• Diversifying navigation systems is essential to reduce overreliance on GPS.

• Adoption of multi-constellation GNSS systems like:

  • GLONASS (Russia)

  • Galileo (EU)

  • BeiDou (China)

• These offer redundancy and resilience against interference and improve strategic autonomy.