Cyber ​​Attack On Navigation System: Many major airports of the country are Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Amritsar and Bengaluru. GPS spoofing and GNSS Serious incidents of interference have been recorded. The central government told Parliament that this problem directly affects satellite-based navigation systems, which can have a major impact on flight operations.

Reporting increased after DGCA’s strictness, complaints received from across the country

In November 2023, DGCA had directed all airlines and airports for mandatory reporting of GPS/GNSS disturbances. After this, such incidents are continuously being reported from airports across the country.

According to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, “India’s ground-based conventional operating network is capable of operating flights safely whenever there is a problem with satellite navigation.” The Government recognized that interference with satellite signals is a very serious threat, so monitoring, technical investigation and reporting have been strengthened. Parliament was assured that all major airports are recording these incidents regularly so that immediate action can be taken.

What is GPS spoofing?

GPS spoofing is a type of cyber attack in which attackers send fake satellite signals. This causes the aircraft or any GPS-based device to show inaccurate location data. In such a situation, the risk of the navigation system getting wrong alerts, wrong position and wrong terrain warning increases. This may cause the aircraft to deviate from its course or appear to be in a position that does not actually exist.

Incorrect location data up to 60 nautical miles at Delhi airport

Recently, many aircraft near Delhi Airport kept getting wrong location data up to 60 nautical miles. Considering the seriousness, some flights had to be diverted to alternative airports like Jaipur and Lucknow.

How dangerous is GPS/GNSS interference around airports?

1. Direct impact on navigation and airspace safety

Modern aircraft rely heavily on GPS/GNSS systems. Signal interference can cause critical data such as position, altitude and speed to be inaccurate, causing the aircraft to deviate from the scheduled route or enter sensitive areas.

2. Life-support systems may fail

Critical systems like runway awareness, terrain warning system and autopilot depend on GPS. In case of spoofing, they may give false alerts or fail completely, thereby increasing the chances of an accident.

3. Double the danger at the time of landing

During landing and approach the aircraft is close to the ground and visibility may also be reduced. Receiving incorrect data can lead to runway misalignment, glide path disturbances and go-arounds.

4. ATC’s work becomes very difficult

If the GPS data of several aircraft gets disturbed simultaneously, it becomes difficult for ATC to determine the real location. This may reduce separation in the airspace and increase the risk.

pay attention

Interference with GPS and GNSS signals is not just a technical problem but also a major threat to air traffic safety. Therefore, it is extremely important to strengthen the redundancy systems around the airports and ensure signal security, so that air travel remains safe and smooth.