GPS spoofing is affecting satellite navigation in major airports of the country, putting the safety of flights at risk. DGCA has given monitoring and reporting instructions so that immediate action can be taken on the problem.
GPS Spoofing: A big threat is looming over the country’s aviation industry. In fact, the Central Government has told in the Parliament that cases of GPS spoofing and GNSS interference have come to light in many major airports of the country, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai. Due to this, satellite based navigation system may get damaged, which is likely to directly impact flights.
Regular monitoring of airports starting from 2023
Let us tell you that DGCA i.e. Directorate General of Civil Aviation, two years ago i.e. in November 2023, had given instructions to all the airlines and airports to short out such cases and monitor and report them regularly. According to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, whenever there is a problem in satellite navigation, flights are operated safely through the minimum operating network present in India. It runs on ground based conventional navigation and surveillance systems. The central government says that interference in satellite signals is very serious for the safety of flights. All major airports have been asked to monitor such cases regularly, so that immediate action can be taken on any possible problem.
What is GPS spoofing?
GPS spoofing is a type of cyber attack in which a GPS receiver is tricked by sending fake GPS signals. Due to this, any aircraft or GPS based system starts showing wrong location, time and navigation data. In this the signal does not get jammed but starts showing wrong information. Due to this, many times the pilot and the user do not realize that the information they are getting is wrong. This technology is used to intercept and damage aircraft and other critical systems.
Why is GPS spoofing dangerous?
Spoofing involves a transmitter sending fake GPS signals that are similar to the real signal but provide false information. This can cause planes to deviate from their direction and flights can be delayed. Along with this, aircraft can be diverted and caused damage.