Planes are getting lost due to fake GPS signals in Middle-East: DGCA advisory to Indian Airlines, danger more in Iraq-Azerbaijan

There are reports of planes being diverted by sending fake GPS signals in the Middle East. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued an advisory to all Indian airlines regarding this.

In fact, for a few months, reports were coming out that fake GPS signals were being sent to commercial flights and jets in the Middle East. These signals were sent from the ground. These are enough to infiltrate the aircraft’s navigation system, override GPS signals and disorient the aircraft.

OpsGroup, a group of pilots, flight dispatchers, schedulers and controllers, has raised this issue. According to OpsGroup, in September 2023, the navigation systems of several commercial flights near Iran malfunctioned and one flight entered Iran’s airspace without permission.

Internal system of the plane got disturbed due to fake signals
In aviation language, such incidents are called aircraft spoofing. Understand the latest case like this – Every flight navigates its way in the sky through GPS signals. Incorrect or fake GPS signals were sent to flights passing through the Middle East.

These signals cause the aircraft’s internal systems to think they are flying miles away from their planned route. These signals are sometimes so strong that they breach the internal security of the aircraft system and the aircraft deviates from its course. Due to this, within a few minutes the aircraft’s Inertial Reference System (IRS) becomes unstable and the aircraft loses its navigation capability.

Danger is high in Iraq
According to OpsGroup, the risk of spoofing is highest in northern Iraq and Azerbaijan. Many incidents of aircraft being diverted by sending fake GPS signals have come to light here. However, information about who is sending these fake signals and from where has not been found. It is believed that due to the military electronic warfare systems installed in the area due to the Israel-Hamas war, signals are being jammed and spoofing is taking place.