In News:

The recent disruption of flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Delhi, due to GPS spoofing, has brought renewed attention to emerging non-traditional threats to civil aviation. Though commonly associated with conflict zones and electronic warfare environments, this incident highlights how cyber–electromagnetic threats can spill over into civilian airspace, raising serious concerns for aviation safety, national security, and technological resilience.

What is Spoofing and GPS Spoofing?

A spoofing attack is a category of cyberattack in which false data is masqueraded as coming from a trusted source to deceive systems or users. Common forms include:

• GPS spoofing
• IP spoofing (often linked with DDoS attacks)
• SMS and Caller ID spoofing

GPS spoofing specifically involves the broadcast of counterfeit satellite navigation signals that imitate genuine Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. Unlike GPS jamming, which simply blocks or degrades signals, spoofing is more dangerous because it feeds incorrect but believable navigation data to receivers.

Since real GPS satellite signals are extremely weak when they reach Earth, a receiver may mistakenly prioritise stronger fake signals, calculating incorrect position, altitude, speed, and timing. The ultimate objective is to induce the target—such as an aircraft—to act on false navigation information.

The IGI Airport Incident: What Happened?

At IGI Airport, spoofed GPS signals corrupted aircraft navigation systems, particularly affecting flights approaching Runway 10/28, a key runway heavily used during winter operations. The spoofing interfered with the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) system, which is a satellite-based precision landing mechanism.

As a result:

• Pilots received incorrect positional data during approach.
• Precision landings using GPS became unreliable.
• Several flights, including those of Air India and Vistara, were diverted.
• Air traffic congestion increased, especially during easterly wind conditions when alternative runways were constrained.

This marked the first known GPS spoofing incident in Delhi’s civilian airspace, making it unusual, as such attacks are typically reported in active conflict or military zones.

Response by Aviation Authorities

Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) and aviation authorities responded swiftly:

• Cautionary alerts were issued to pilots via the ATIS (Airport Terminal Information System).
• Airlines were advised to temporarily suspend RNP-based landings.
• Aircraft were instructed to rely on ground-based navigation aids such as:
  • ILS (Instrument Landing System)
  • VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range)
  • Visual approach procedures
• The installation and commissioning of a new ILS for Runway 10/28 was expedited, with validation trials conducted by airlines like IndiGo.

Indian pilots’ training in fallback navigation methods played a critical role in preventing accidents.

Why GPS Spoofing is Dangerous for Aviation

GPS spoofing poses serious safety risks, especially in civil aviation:

• Incorrect altitude and position data can compromise approach and landing.
• Sudden false deviations may prompt dangerous corrective manoeuvres.
• Errors in timing can affect autopilot systems, collision avoidance, and air traffic coordination.
• Over-reliance on satellite navigation without redundancy can increase vulnerability.

Globally, the threat is rising. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), there were over 4.3 lakh incidents of GPS jamming or spoofing in 2024, a 62% increase compared to 2023, mostly over conflict-prone regions.

Global and Geopolitical Dimension

GPS spoofing is frequently reported in:

• Black Sea region
• West Asia and the Middle East
• Active military or electronic warfare zones

Experts believe the Delhi incident may have been caused by spillover of electronic warfare activities from conflict zones in West Asia. Under certain atmospheric conditions, distorted or spoofed signals can travel up to 2,500 km, affecting regions far removed from the actual source. Similar disruptions have previously impacted civilian flights over Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine.

This underlines a critical reality: modern warfare technologies can have unintended transnational consequences, blurring the line between military and civilian domains.

In News:

The Union Government has notified a Single Window System (SWS) to streamline the appointment of State Directors General of Police (DGPs)/Heads of Police Force (HoPFs). This move seeks to ensure transparency, uniformity, and compliance with Supreme Court directives inPrakash Singh vs Union of India (2006) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines.

Key Features of the SWS

• Standardization: Provides a checklist and uniform formats for States to submit proposals.
• Eligibility Certification: A Secretary-rank officer must certify that officers proposed for empanelment fulfill criteria, including a minimum of 6 months residual service.
• Timely Submission: States are mandated to send proposals at least 3 months before the anticipated vacancy of the DGP/HoPF.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• State Subject: Police is a State subject under the 7th Schedule of the Constitution.
• Superintendence: As per Section 3 of the Police Act, 1861, the superintendence of police lies with the State Government.
• District Level: A dual control system exists—authority is shared between the District Magistrate (executive) and the Superintendent of Police (police administration).
• State Police Leadership: State police forces are generally headed by officers of the DGP rank.

In News:

Between November 2023 and February 2025, 465 incidents of GPS interference and spoofing were reported, predominantly in the Amritsar and Jammu border regions. This was disclosed by Minister of State for Civil Aviation MurlidharMohol in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

What is GPS/GNSS Spoofing?

• GPS (Global Positioning System) and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) spoofing involves broadcasting false GPS signals that deceive receivers into calculating incorrect locations.
• It is a form of cyberattack exploiting weak satellite signal strength to override legitimate GPS data.
• It can mislead aircraft navigation systems, creating flight safety risks in sensitive regions like international borders.

How GPS Spoofing Works:

1. GPS satellites transmit weak signals to Earth.
2. Spoofers broadcast stronger fake signals mimicking these satellites.
3. Receivers (like those in aircraft) pick up false data, resulting in mislocation or navigation errors.

Types of Spoofing Attacks:

• GPS Spoofing – False location data.
• IP Spoofing – Hides origin of data, often used in DDoS attacks.
• SMS/Caller ID Spoofing – Disguises identity to deceive users.

Government Response:

DGCA Circular (Nov 2023):

• Mandated reporting of GPS interference.
• Issued mitigation guidelines for:
  • Aircraft operators
  • Pilots
  • Air Traffic Controllers
  • Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP)

Use of International Best Practices:

• Guidelines align with ICAO and EASA standards.
• NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) are issued in affected areas.
• Airlines implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to manage spoofing incidents.

Navigation Redundancy Measures:

• Retention of ground-based navigation systems as backups.
• Ensures continued navigation in the event of GPS disruption.

Role of AAI (Airports Authority of India):

• Sole Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) in India.
• Continuously upgrading air navigation infrastructure to counter emerging threats like spoofing.

Why is it in the News?

The Indian Air Force achieved a milestone by successfully test-firing an air-launched ballistic missile, ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2, capable of hitting targets over 250 kilometers away.

About Crystal Maze-2 Missile:

• Crystal Maze 2 missile also known as ROCKS is an advanced air-launched missile developed by Israel, designed for precision strikes on high-value targets.
• This missile is capable of engaging heavily fortified positions from long distances, ensuring minimal collateral damage.
• It is renowned for its accuracy and reliability in combat scenarios, making it a preferred choice for missions requiring surgical precision.
• The missile’s integration into various platforms enhances its operational flexibility and effectiveness in diverse combat environments.

Features:

• Crystal 2 operates effectively in GPS-denied areas and can breach regions secured by air defense systems.
• This system allows for the choice between penetration or blast fragmentation warheads, making it suitable for targeting both surface and heavily fortified underground facilities.
• With a striking distance of over 250 kilometers, it offers versatility with options for either penetration or blast fragmentation warhead, ensuring the destruction of above-ground or well-protected underground targets.
• India is currently developing the Crystal Maze 2 missile.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully conducted tests on this missile and aims to procure it in large numbers under the Make in India initiative.
• This move highlights India’s dedication to achieving self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.

Why in the News?

For the first time in India, a prisoner in J&K has been given bail on the condition that his movements are monitored constantly.

About GPS Anklets/Tracker:

• The GPS tracker is a compact wearable gadget secured around the ankle, offering real-time location details.
• It is designed to be tamper-proof, triggering an alarm if any attempt is made to interfere with it.
• Removal by the wearer or any unauthorized individual without causing damage is virtually impossible.
• This versatile tracker can be attached to either the ankle or the arm, presenting as GPS anklets or GPS bracelets.
• While commonplace for bail conditions in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia, this marks the inaugural use of GPS trackers for this purpose in India.

What is GPS?

• GPS, or the Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system with a global reach.
• It functions through a network of satellites orbiting Earth, transmitting signals to GPS receivers.
• This technology has revolutionized navigation, offering precise location and time information for diverse applications, from driving to hiking.
• Originally developed for military purposes, GPS is now widely used in civilian life, integrated into smartphones for location-based services and emergency response.
• Its applications extend to real-time tracking of vehicles and assets, contributing to enhanced security and efficient management.
• Ongoing advancements ensure that GPS remains a crucial tool in modern navigation.