Government Confirms 465 GPS Spoofing Cases

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

The government has confirmed 465 cases of Global Positioning System (GPS) interference and spoofing incidents in border areas, particularly in Amritsar and Jammu, between November 2023 and February 2025. This raises serious concerns about aviation safety and national security.

What is GPS Interference and Spoofing?

GPS Interference: Disruption in the accuracy of GPS signals used for navigation.
Spoofing: A cyberattack where false GPS signals are transmitted to mislead navigation systems.
The attacker mimics legitimate GPS signals. Tricks systems into perceiving false locations, speeds, or altitudes.
Impacts: Disruption in navigation accuracy for aircraft and drones. Can trigger erroneous speed or terrain warnings. Used in modern warfare and conflict zones to mislead enemies.
Examples: Several airlines operating in and around Amritsar have experienced GPS and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference.
GPS jamming refers to deliberate attempts to block or disrupt satellite signals, affecting navigation accuracy.

Global Positioning System (GPS):

A satellite-based navigation system providing location and time information globally.
Developed by: U.S. Department of Defence.
24 operational satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
Trilateration using signals from at least four satellites to determine precise location.