NEW DELHI: Worried about indications that civilian aircraft might be experiencing navigation challenges in certain areas of the Middle East, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a warning to all Indian airlines. Recent reports have highlighted instances where the navigation systems of civilian aircraft are allegedly being manipulated or misled when traversing specific regions in the Middle East. This issue is rapidly evolving into a significant safety concern, prompting the DGCA advisory to inform airlines about the nature of the threat and provide guidance on appropriate responses.
“The aviation industry is grappling with uncertainties due to new threats and reports of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) jamming and spoofing,” the circular stated.
The report acknowledged a growing number of instances of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference in the airspace of the Middle East in recent times. It urges the establishment of backup plans to address the disruption of navigation systems caused by interference. Additionally, the DGCA has called for the establishment of a network dedicated to monitoring and analysing threats.
As per the OpsGroup, a collective of professional pilots, flight dispatchers, schedulers, and controllers have raised concerns about the issue.
What Is The Process Of Spoofing?
Aircraft flying over certain regions of the Middle East first encounter a manipulated GPS signal. This signal is designed to deceive the aircraft’s internal system, making it believe that it is flying significantly off course. The strength of the signal is frequently sufficient to compromise the integrity of the aircraft’s system.
As a consequence, the inertial reference system (IRS) becomes unstable within a matter of minutes, and in numerous instances, the aircraft loses its entire navigation capability.
What Regions Are A Cause For Concern?
The main focal point of worry is a heavily trafficked air route in Northern Iraq and Azerbaijan, where multiple incidents have been reported, particularly in the vicinity of Erbil.
As of September, a total of 12 distinct incidents had been documented, with the most recent occurrence reported near Ankara, Turkey, on November 20.
Who Is Responsible?
Although a specific perpetrator remains unidentified, there is a belief that the occurrence of jamming and spoofing could be linked to the deployment of military electronic warfare systems in regions marked by heightened regional tensions.
What Recommendations Are Enclosed In The DGCA Circular?
The DGCA circular is formulated based on the recommendations of a committee tasked with addressing the emerging threat. This involves considering best practices, the latest advancements, and guidance from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The circular outlines comprehensive measures and action plans for aircraft operators, pilots, air navigation service providers (ANSP), and air traffic controllers. These measures encompass the development of contingency procedures in collaboration with equipment manufacturers and the assessment of operational risk through safety risk assessments.
Furthermore, it establishes a mechanism to create a threat monitoring and analysis network in close collaboration with the DGCA. This network aims to conduct both preventive and reactive monitoring and analysis of GNSS interference reports. The goal is to extract valuable insights, using data and emerging developments to ensure a robust and immediate response to potential threats.