Relevance: GS-3 (Internal Security, Aviation Safety); Source Indian Express
Major airports including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai have reported GPS spoofing and GNSS interference, affecting aircraft navigation. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has asked the Wireless Monitoring Organisation to trace the source.
What is GPS Spoofing?
GPS spoofing occurs when false satellite-like signals are transmitted to an aircraft or device, causing it to calculate wrong positions.
Effects
- Incorrect navigation coordinates
- Misaligned flight paths
- Radio interference overpowering genuine satellite signals
Spoofing vs Jamming:
- Jamming blocks GPS signals
- Spoofing sends fake signals to mislead the system
Threats & Policy Responses
Threat / Risk | Fix / Response |
| Wrong aircraft navigation | DGCA advisory; real-time monitoring by Airports Authority of India |
| Landing safety risks | Use of backup navigation aids such as ILS/VOR |
| Localised signal interference | Wireless Monitoring Organisation tracking emission sources |
| Global rise in GPS manipulation | Stronger cybersecurity protocols under DGCA & AAI |
Q. With reference to GPS spoofing, consider the following statements:
- It involves transmitting fake signals to mislead a GPS-enabled system.
- It is the same as GPS jamming.
- Such interference can threaten aviation safety.
Which of the above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
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