-
Event: Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft experienced GPS spoofing while delivering aid to Myanmar under “Operation Brahma” after an earthquake in late March 2025.
-
GPS Spoofing Defined: A cyberattack that uses false GPS signals to mislead an aircraft’s navigation systems. It can overpower weak satellite signals, causing receivers to display incorrect location data.
-
Risk Factors: GPS spoofing can lead to hijacking, misdirection of aircraft, disruption of military operations, and potential friendly fire incidents.
-
IAF Response: The IAF acknowledged the potential for degraded GPS availability, as indicated by a “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM) issued by Mandalay International Airport. They asserted that their crews are trained to handle such situations and that all missions were completed safely and as planned.
-
Extent: Reportedly, a majority of the six military transport aircraft deployed experienced GPS spoofing. Five landed in Yangon and Nay-Pyi-Daw on March 29-30, and one went to Mandalay on April 1.
-
Mitigation Measures: Potential countermeasures include using multi-constellation systems, advanced signal processing, and anti-spoofing devices.