Our current world is heavily influenced by the omnipresence of GPS technology. Ever since its initial approval for IFR use in 1994, this remarkable innovation has revolutionized the aviation industry. It has seamlessly integrated into our daily operations, serving a multitude of essential functions such as navigation, communication, surveillance, ADS-B, and even TAWS. Undoubtedly, this technology has become an indispensable asset in maintaining our safety.
The problem lies within this situation. Its functionality is dependent on radio signals transmitted by satellites, making it susceptible to intentional interference. If you frequently operate between Europe and Asia, you are likely well aware of this issue. However, the growing concern stems from the increasing frequency of these disruptions. EUROCONTROL's recent report highlights a significant surge in GPS outages over the past five years.
The Hot Spots
It is a common occurrence for widespread GPS outages to take place in regions characterized by political tension. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and Caucasus regions consistently bear the brunt of such disruptions. In fact, these regions accounted for a significant 3,500 reported outages in the previous year alone.Every day, approximately ten incidents are reported. It is worth mentioning that this count solely reflects incidents that have been reported by individuals. The LCCC/Nicosia FIR, which covers the airspace over Cyprus and extends to LLBG/Tel Aviv, is known for its high frequency of incidents. Reports of these occurrences have been documented as far north as Italy, as well as in Turkey and Egypt.
The area in question is teeming with tension, as it grapples with the spillover effects of the Syrian War, the ongoing conflict in Libya, and the current Azerbaijani conflict. Regrettably, it also serves as a crucial air corridor for flights connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Thus, it becomes exceedingly difficult to avoid traversing this region.
Nonetheless, it is not confined to that particular region alone. Instances of GPS sabotage have been reported worldwide, with rings of interference, commonly referred to as 'crop circles', being traced back to countries like China, North Korea, and even the United States.
So why tamper with GPS?
Regrettably, the existence of electromagnetic warfare cannot be overlooked. Military interests strive to create significant challenges for their adversaries, which involve disrupting communication and navigation systems. Additionally, GPS signal jammer is employed as a defensive tactic against explosive drones that frequently make headlines, as well as those used for espionage. In some cases, jamming is utilized to protect individuals' privacy, but unfortunately, it can also be misused for criminal activities.
Jamming or Spoofing?
Due to their low power, GPS signals are susceptible to interference, which can lead to receiver failures or, more significantly, the dissemination of false information. One prevalent method to accomplish this is by utilizing jammers, devices that obscure the signal by introducing noise. Although the use of gps jammer is illegal in the United States, they remain legal in other countries and are readily accessible.
In the realm of robust military applications, the reach of a solitary device is known to extend across a 300nm radius, rendering their detection an exceedingly challenging endeavor. These devices can be covertly deployed at military bases, securely mounted on vehicles, or seamlessly incorporated onto naval vessels.
So why is this a problem for aviation?
The problem is worsening, and the outages are occurring randomly and without warning. The cruise sector accounts for three quarters of the global GPS disruptions, with a duration of more than thirty minutes in ten percent of these cases. Additionally, there have been reports of GPS receivers failing to regain a signal.In accordance with ICAO regulations, it is obligatory to document frequent power outages by means of NOTAMs. However, it is disheartening to observe that only a few countries are actually fulfilling this requirement. Additionally, due to the reduced number of aircraft in operation during the pandemic, the true extent of this problem remains uncertain.
When an aircraft's GPS system malfunctions, the crew is compelled to rely on alternative navigation methods to maneuver through airspace that heavily depends on precise navigation for traffic separation. This situation can also give rise to additional complications, including false alerts and even GPWS warnings. The expectation for pilots to disregard these warnings is a matter of concern, setting a troubling precedent.
The plot thickens, enter 5G.
The innovative technology that promises to deliver your cherished episode of 'The Bachelor' at an unprecedented speed is a topic that has been widely discussed.Alarming news has emerged from the United States, indicating that the federal government has permitted a new network provider to access a segment of the radio spectrum that is traditionally reserved for GPS signals. The purpose of this decision is to facilitate the implementation of an expansive 5G network spanning the entire nation.The frequencies wield substantial power, and there is no guarantee that they will not hinder GPS signals.
It is important to have a contingency strategy in place for situations where the screen goes blank during a GPS-based approach. Recent events have underscored the fact that even the most dependable technology can experience failures, necessitating a proactive approach to handle unforeseen circumstances.