The rise in GPS interference also coincides with increased drone activity for smuggling arms, narcotics, and contraband into Indian territory
There has been a noticeable increase in GPS interference recorded over conflict zones globally, including along India’s borders with Pakistan and Myanmar. This development is emerging as a significant challenge for passenger aircraft, heightening safety concerns, according to a recent report by OPS Group, a global network focused on aviation safety and operational efficiency.
The report, published in September 2024, attributes this rise in interference to intensified security measures and the growing use of drones for illicit activities. The phenomenon includes “spoofing,” a cyber attack where false GPS signals are transmitted to mislead GPS receivers, often leading to compromised navigation systems.
Global Impact & Notable Incidents
An example of the catastrophic impact of GPS interference was seen in the Azerbaijan Airlines crash in Kazakhstan, which claimed 38 lives. Russian air defence systems, reportedly countering Ukrainian drones near the airport, were identified as a potential source of interference as the aircraft made repeated landing attempts.
Closer to home, the Delhi Flight Information Region has become a hotspot for daily spoofing activities since May 2024. Areas to the northwest of New Delhi and regions around Lahore have been heavily affected. According to the OPS Group report, this region ranked ninth globally among the top 20 Flight Information Regions impacted by GPS spoofing, with 316 aircraft affected between 15 July and 15 August this year.
Drone-Driven Illicit Activities Along Borders
The rise in GPS interference also coincides with increased drone activity for smuggling arms, narcotics, and contraband into Indian territory. Along the western borders of Punjab and Rajasthan, drones from Pakistan have frequently dropped weapons, counterfeit currency, and drugs.
Data from the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) highlights this alarming trend, noting that drone sightings in Punjab surged from 48 in 2020 to 267 in 2022. This accounted for 83 per cent of all drone incidents reported along the India-Pakistan border that year. Similarly, drones have been increasingly used in the eastern region to smuggle contraband, including gold and exotic wildlife, from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Global Response & Safety Recommendations
The escalating issue has drawn attention at international forums, including the 14th Air Navigation Conference hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in Montreal this year. Delegates acknowledged the growing interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which can result in navigation inaccuracies and pose risks to aviation safety.
To address the crisis, the ICAO recommended measures such as enhanced pilot guidance, better information sharing among aviation stakeholders, and the creation of a global contingency plan to mitigate GNSS outages. These steps aim to strengthen international cooperation and ensure safer skies despite the rising challenges.
Call For Robust Action
The surge in GPS interference and its overlap with drone-based illicit activities underline the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, stronger cross-border coordination, and advanced technological safeguards. With aviation safety at stake, comprehensive action is critical to addressing this multifaceted threat effectively.
