GPS spoofing: how flights are being diverted – Gudstory

What is at the root of the problem?

It concerns interference with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), a key technology used for navigation and communications. GNSS refers to a constellation of satellites that provide signals that transmit position and timing data to GNSS receivers. However, these signals can be sensitive to interference due to their weak transmit power. Under GNSS interference, also known as GPS spoofing, hackers attempt to manipulate a user’s navigation system by sending fake signals to the receiver antenna. Such interference can seriously affect the accuracy of a device using GPS.

Where is this reported from?

According to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), GPS spoofing is set to increase from 2022 with increasing sophistication. So far, GPS spoofing in aviation has been observed primarily in areas surrounding conflict zones, but it is also prevalent in the southern and eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Arctic region. It has raised more concern after GPS spoofing was reported on commercial flights, including about 20 business jets and wide-body aircraft near the Iran-Iraq border in September. In fact, a business jet was reported to have entered Iranian airspace without clearance.

Where is this reported from?

According to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), GPS spoofing is set to increase from 2022 with increasing sophistication. So far, GPS spoofing in aviation has been observed primarily in areas surrounding conflict zones, but it is also prevalent in the southern and eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the Baltic Sea, and the Arctic region. It has raised more concern after GPS spoofing was reported on commercial flights, including about 20 business jets and wide-body aircraft near the Iran-Iraq border in September. In fact, a business jet was reported to have entered Iranian airspace without clearance.

What are the implications for an aircraft?

GPS spoofing provides false signals to the aircraft’s GPS receiver, manipulating its inertial reference system. This may cause the aircraft to deviate from its intended path and result in interference or collision. GNSS interference can also result in inaccurate data for ground or wind speed information on the aircraft’s fuel calculation system, flight management system, and navigation displays.

Is there a solution to this problem?

There is no clear solution yet to the kind of spoofing that has been seen in the past few months, but aircraft manufacturers and technology providers are working on it. The source of the interference appears to have been around West Asia but the culprits are unknown. For now, the solution could be better training for pilots. Indeed, global aviation regulatory bodies have advised airlines to train their crew on GPS spoofing and discuss possible alternatives to traditional arrival-and-approach procedures during flight planning.

What is India doing about this?

After forming a committee on GPS spoofing in October, the Indian civil aviation regulator issued an advisory to Indian airlines on November 24. It has provided a mechanism for air navigation service providers to set up a threat monitoring and analysis network in coordination with the regulator for preventive as well as reactive threat monitoring. It also wants that reports of GNSS interference be analyzed so that a strong and immediate threat response capability can be developed for spoofing incident.