Why did the Air India plane crash occur in Ahmedabad? Exact answers are yet to be found. As experts speculate the reasons, India's Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Muralidhar Mohol, stated that a conspiracy angle is also being investigated. Is this investigation truly essential? Let's explore the reasons behind such thoughts.
Stunning Statistics
- From November 2023 to February 2025, approximately 465 GPS spoofing incidents happened in India's border areas, especially in Amritsar and Jammu. - In June, an Air India flight from Delhi to Jammu had to return to Delhi due to suspected GPS interference. - In April, during the Brahma Relief Mission over Myanmar, an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft encountered GPS spoofing.
Understanding GPS Spoofing and Its Dangers
GPS spoofing is a type of cyberattack that sends false signals to an aircraft's navigation system. This can mislead the plane off course, potentially resulting in mid-air collisions or runway accidents.
The International Air Transport Association (
) has reported a 500% increase in GPS spoofing incidents from 2023 to 2024, while signal jamming rose by 175%. In 2024, there were 430,000 reports of satellite signal disruptions or spoofing worldwide, a 62% growth from 2023's 260,000 cases.
Source: aajtak
The Link Between War and GPS Spoofing
IATA suggests that global conflicts have fueled an increase in
. These incidents are common around Egypt, Lebanon, the Black Sea, and the Russia-Estonia-Latvia borders. GPS jamming is also noticed near the Lahore area on the India-Pakistan border. Besides GPS spoofing, the aviation industry faces threats like ransomware, unauthorized access, and credential theft.
Source: aajtak
Concerns in the United States
The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted that GPS jamming or spoofing has compelled some flights to change or divert routes. The FAA has created a
where pilots can report such incidents.
Is Our Sky Truly Safe?
The inclusion of a conspiracy angle in the Air India crash investigation might be wise or not, depending on its outcomes. However, the escalating incidents of GPS spoofing and cyberattacks further intensify this question. Are our skies truly secure?
