After recent reports of aircraft losing GPS signal in the airspace over the Middle East, the DGCA on Friday issued an advisory to all Indian airlines on measures to deal with threats from jamming and spoofing of the Global Navigation Satellite System.
The circular is for aircraft operators, pilots, air navigation service provider and air traffic controllers.
On October 4, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) formed an internal committee based on reports of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) being jammed and spoofed when planes fly over the Middle East. Based on a report of the committee, the aviation regulator issued the advisory providing comprehensive mitigation measures and an action plan. The circular, also issued to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is about development of contingency procedures in coordination with equipment manufacturers and assessing operational risk by conducting a safety risk assessment.
The AAI is the country’s air navigation service provider (ANSP), and air traffic controllers are also under it. According to the circular, the DGCA has highlighted the emerging threats of jamming and spoofing of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), the various geographical areas where it has been observed, and its potential impact on aircraft and ground-based systems.
What is GNSS jamming and spoofing?
GNSS is vital for aircraft navigation. Spoofing and jamming of the GNSS refers to attempts to manipulate a user’s navigation system by giving false signals. In the wake of the reports of such interference over airspace in the Middle East in the recent past, DGCA formed an internal committee on October 4.
The committee took stock of the situation, sensitised operators, and started discussions with leading experts from around the world on the subject. After taking the inputs into account, the aviation watchdog said recommendations have been included in the circular for tackling the emerging threat considering the best practices, latest developments and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) guidance on the matter.
The circular provides a mechanism for ANSP to establish a threat monitoring and analysis network in close coordination with DGCA. This is for preventive as well as reactive threat monitoring and analysis of reports of GNSS interference to generate valuable insights with data and new developments for a robust and immediate threat response.
The DGCA said the aviation industry is grappling with uncertainties due to new threats and reports of GNSS jamming and spoofing. The circular gives much-needed guidance and clarity to all concerned with a practical roadmap and action plan to deal with the threat of GNSS interference in airspace in an effective manner, it added.
