In our contemporary world, the dominance of GPS technology is evident. Ever since its initial approval for IFR use in 1994, this remarkable technological breakthrough has completely transformed the aviation industry. It has seamlessly integrated into our daily operations, serving a multitude of vital purposes such as navigation, communication, surveillance, ADS-B, and even TAWS. Undoubtedly, this technology has become an indispensable necessity for maintaining our safety.
The problem becomes evident in this scenario. Its functionality is dependent on radio signals transmitted by satellites, leaving it vulnerable to intentional interference. If you operate within the Europe-Asia region, you are likely familiar with this issue. However, the concerning aspect is the growing frequency of these disruptions. EUROCONTROL's report reveals a significant rise in GPS outages over the past five years.
The occurrence of widespread GPS outages is closely linked to areas of political tension, and this pattern is particularly evident in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and Caucasus regions. These regions consistently bear the brunt of disruptions, with a notable 3,500 outages reported solely in the previous year.Each day, there are approximately ten incidents reported. It is crucial to note that this figure exclusively represents 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 particularly high occurrence of incidents. Reports of these occurrences have been documented as far north as Italy, as well as in Turkey and Egypt.
The region in question is alive with tension, as it experiences the overflow from the Syrian War, the ongoing conflict in Libya, and the current Azerbaijani conflict. Regrettably, it also serves as a significant air corridor for flights connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Thus, it becomes almost unavoidable to bypass this particular area.
Nevertheless, it is not solely restricted to that location. Incidents of GPS sabotage have been reported across the world, with rings of interference, commonly known as 'crop circles', being traced back to countries such as China, North Korea, and even the United States.
Regrettably, the existence of electromagnetic warfare cannot be denied. The primary goal for military interests is to create maximum obstacles for the opposing side, which involves disrupting communication and navigation systems. Additionally, signal jammer jamming is utilized as a defense mechanism against explosive drones that frequently make headlines, as well as those employed for espionage purposes. In other cases, jamming is used to protect individuals' privacy, and unfortunately, it can also be misused for criminal activities.
It is important to note that GPS signals possess a low power level, making receivers susceptible to failure or, more concerning, the generation of false information when subjected to weak interference sources. One common approach to achieve this is through the utilization of jammers, which are devices designed to mask the signal with noise. Although the use of gps jammer is illegal in the United States, they remain legal in other countries and are readily available.
Within the domain of potent military applications, the influence exerted by a single device is acknowledged to span a radius of 300nm, posing significant challenges in terms of detection. These devices can be covertly deployed at military bases, securely mounted on vehicles, or seamlessly incorporated onto naval vessels.
The situation is deteriorating, and the occurrences of outages are irregular and unpredictable. The cruise sector is responsible for three quarters of the global GPS loss, with a duration of more than thirty minutes in ten percent of these cases. Additionally, there have been incidents where GPS receivers failed to regain a signal.ICAO's regulations stipulate that frequent power outages must be documented through the issuance of NOTAMs. However, it is disconcerting to note that only a few states are actually complying with this requirement. Moreover, the reduced number of aircraft operating during the pandemic adds to the uncertainty surrounding the severity of this situation.
When an aircraft loses GPS capability, the crew is left with no choice but to rely on alternative navigation methods to navigate through airspace that heavily depends on precise positioning to maintain separation from other aircraft. This situation can also result in false alerts and even trigger GPWS warnings, posing additional challenges. The expectation for pilots to disregard these warnings sets a concerning precedent.
The plot thickens, enter 5G.
The revolutionary technology that guarantees the swift download of your favorite episode of 'The Bachelor' has undoubtedly captured our attention.Distressing reports have surfaced in the United States, highlighting that the federal government has allowed a new network provider to access a portion of the radio spectrum that is customarily reserved for GPS signals. The aim of this decision is to enable the deployment of a vast 5G network throughout the nation.The frequencies possess formidable strength, and there is no certainty that they will not interfere with GPS signals.
Prioritizing preparedness is essential when flying a GPS-based approach, particularly in the event of a blank screen. Recent events have served as a reminder that even the most reliable technology can encounter failures, highlighting the need to be ready for unforeseen circumstances.