Mysterious GPS Spoofing In Middle East Skies Raises Alarm Bells; Indian Airlines Issued Urgent Advisory By DGCA To Enhance Safety

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a crucial advisory to Indian airlines in response to growing concerns about navigation system spoofing in the Middle East.

As per reports by NDTV, the advisory highlights the increasing risk of deliberate interference with navigation systems in aircraft flying over certain Middle Eastern areas, posing a significant safety threat.

It aims to prepare and inform Indian airlines about potential challenges associated with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, urging them to adopt proactive measures to ensure aviation safety.

The circular also recognises the aviation industry's struggle with new uncertainties stemming from threats like GNSS jamming and spoofing.

It specifically addresses multiple reports of interference over Middle Eastern airspace, particularly in a busy airway in Northern Iraq and Azerbaijan near Erbil.

Notably, spoofing involves sending false GPS signals to aircraft, destabilising their inertial reference systems and jeopardising navigation capabilities.

While the DGCA does not identify the culprit, it suggests that military electronic warfare systems in regions of tension may be responsible for the interference.

Aligned with committee recommendations, the advisory outlines comprehensive mitigation measures for stakeholders, including aircraft operators, pilots, air navigation service providers, and air traffic controllers.

These measures encompass contingency procedures, risk assessments, and the establishment of a threat monitoring and analysis network to swiftly respond to GNSS interference.