GPS jamming and spoofing have become alarming issues in today’s world, disrupting global shipping and navigation systems. Recent reports indicate a 55% rise in GPS jamming incidents in the Middle East Gulf within just a week. This electronic interference poses serious threats, highlighted by recent military actions in the region.
When the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, ships in the vicinity started encountering bizarre navigation signals. For instance, some vessels appeared on tracking maps at airports or deep within Iranian territory, even though they hadn’t physically moved. This manipulation of navigation signals can lead to confusing and dangerous situations for sailors and monitoring agencies alike.
GPS jamming and spoofing occur in two key ways. Jamming overwhelms satellite signals with powerful radio frequencies, preventing accurate location detection. In contrast, spoofing sends out misleading signals, tricking receivers into calculating incorrect locations. This deceptive tactic has been increasingly utilized in conflict zones, where it can effectively disrupt drone operations and precision weaponry.
According to Windward, a maritime intelligence firm, over 1,650 vessels faced GPS and AIS (Automatic Identification System) interference on March 7. This spike in disruption has raised concerns among shipping communities, especially given the geographical spread of affected areas—from Kuwait to the Gulf of Oman.
Captain Shyam Kumar, a retired Indian Navy officer, emphasizes that this issue is not new. It has intensified, particularly since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, as militaries increasingly jam signals to thwart drone attacks. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports that aircraft incidents involving GPS failures surged over 220% between 2021 and 2024, with numerous pilots experiencing navigation system errors during flights.
One major incident occurred at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport in November 2025, where intense GPS spoofing delayed over 800 flights. Similar disruptions have also affected military operations, as highlighted when six Indian Air Force planes encountered GPS glitches while assisting in earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar in 2025.
How can crews manage unexpected GPS disruptions? Captain Kumar suggests that crews first confirm their position using alternate navigation methods and ensure vigilant monitoring. In cases of GPS failure, they must revert to traditional navigation techniques, such as radar plotting and visual position fixes, which remain crucial in maintaining safe navigation.
The vulnerability of GPS signals stems from their inherent weakness. Signals travel from satellites orbiting about 20,000 kilometers above Earth. By the time they reach the ground, they can easily be overpowered by smaller jamming devices. A GPS receiver typically requires signals from at least four satellites, making it susceptible to disruption.
This issue is especially pressing for India, which relies heavily on maritime routes. Nearly 95% of the country’s trade by volume and 70% by value is handled by sea. Any disruption could result in increased freight rates and insurance costs. To mitigate this risk, India has developed the NavIC system—its own regional navigation network. Although it is already utilized by the Indian Navy and for various national applications, most international vessels still depend on global GPS networks.
To bolster resilience, Captain Kumar advocates for increased reliance on NavIC, especially in conflict zones. Crew members should also undergo regular training in traditional navigation techniques. His experiences highlight the importance of integrating manual methods with modern navigation tools, promoting a balanced approach to maritime safety.
As conflicts become increasingly tech-savvy, GPS interference is likely to persist as a feature of modern warfare. The reliance on GPS-guided systems underscores the need for countries like India to strengthen their navigational capabilities, ensuring that even routine tasks like locating oneself on a map are reliably performed in an uncertain future.
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