Recent reports of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) spoofing over Delhi have raised fresh concerns for flight safety, as several aircraft flying near the city reported sudden disruptions in their satellite-based navigation systems this month. Pilots described receiving false GNSS signals that displayed incorrect aircraft positions and triggered misleading terrain alerts. Typically observed in conflict regions, this kind of interference occurring near a major civilian hub is unusual and alarming. The incidents have primarily been reported within a 60-nautical-mile radius of Delhi and persisted for several days in early November, prompting air traffic controllers to guide aircraft manually when navigation displays became unreliable. An investigation is now underway under the National Security Council Secretariat, led by the National Security Adviser, although no official warning notice was issued during the period of interference.
The impact of GNSS spoofing on aircraft systems is significant because many modern aviation technologies rely on satellite signals for navigation, timing and situational awareness. When these signals are faked, aircraft can display incorrect locations, false terrain or runway alerts, and erroneous braking or communication cues. While backup systems like the Inertial Reference System allow aircraft to remain safe for several hours, pilots still face an increased workload and persistent alerts even after leaving the affected zone. This demonstrates that even temporary spoofing events can severely challenge aviation operations and pilot decision-making.
Globally, GNSS spoofing is emerging as a serious aviation concern. Data shows a sharp rise in incidents since September 2023, reaching approximately 1,500 affected flights per day by August 2024. Between mid-July and mid-August 2024 alone, 41,000 flights worldwide experienced some form of spoofing, with the Delhi region ranking among the top ten hotspots, recording more than three hundred reported events in that period. In India, records indicate 465 interference cases in border regions such as Amritsar and Jammu between November 2023 and February 2025, but the recent events in Delhi are particularly noteworthy because they occurred far from any conflict zone.
Experts suggest that most spoofing activity originates from military operations aimed at misleading enemy drones and guided weapons, though some reports indicate deliberate targeting of civilian aircraft in specific regions. International aviation bodies are calling for stronger protection of civil flights, reminding stakeholders that global rules forbid targeting civilian aviation. A major airline group has proposed a multi-layer plan to mitigate risks, including standard reporting procedures, enhanced cooperation, stricter control of jamming devices, improved spectrum management, early detection tools and more resilient GNSS receivers with built-in anti-spoofing capabilities. In India, there is growing pressure for faster response and clearer communication, as frequent incidents near major cities and delayed reporting reduce trust among pilots and passengers, highlighting the urgent need for quick alerts and robust safeguards.
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