Foreign hands in GPS spoofing? Indian agencies probe suspected cross-border links, says report

India's aviation and cyber security agencies are investigating what could be a sophisticated cross-border GPS spoofing network following a sharp increase in navigation interference incidents affecting commercial flights.

According to information accessed by News18, technical assessments conducted by Indian authorities have identified possible GPS spoofing infrastructure in at least three neighbouring countries. Investigators are also examining whether foreign cyber groups with expertise in electronic warfare and cyber-enabled operations may be involved in facilitating or supporting such activities.

The findings come as India records a significant rise in GPS interference events, prompting concerns among aviation authorities about flight safety, navigation reliability and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to increasingly advanced cyber threats.

Officials familiar with the investigation told News18 that the assessment remains ongoing and no final attribution has yet been made. However, emerging evidence suggests that the networks used to conduct such operations may extend across multiple countries in the region.

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Investigation points to cross-border infrastructure

Sources within India's cyber security ecosystem indicate that investigators have detected signs of infrastructure capable of supporting GPS spoofing operations beyond the country's borders.

According to officials cited by News18, assessments suggest that operational bases linked to such activities may exist in at least three neighbouring nations. Investigators are also analysing possible connections to cyber groups known for conducting sophisticated electronic attacks against strategic targets.

The inquiry has reportedly uncovered indications that communication systems and airspace-related networks across parts of Asia could be exploited to facilitate such operations. Countries including Pakistan and Myanmar have emerged as areas of interest during the investigation, although agencies have not publicly attributed responsibility to any specific actor.

Cyber security experts warn that GPS spoofing differs significantly from conventional cyber attacks. Rather than targeting computer systems directly, attackers manipulate navigation signals used by aircraft, ships and other transport systems.

Khushhal Kaushik, ethical hacker, founder and chief executive of Lisianthus Tech, and Director General of the Cyber Security Association of India, told News18 that investigators have observed signs of GPS spoofing activity affecting aircraft operating along key Asian air corridors.

"In this context, I would like to point out that signs of GPS spoofing activity have been detected in flights traversing Asian network corridors, particularly along the 'Express' routes, within the airspace of specific locations and neighbouring regional countries," Kaushik said.

Why GPS spoofing is becoming a serious concern

Unlike GPS jamming, which blocks navigation signals entirely, GPS spoofing involves transmitting counterfeit signals that trick receivers into calculating incorrect positioning information.

For aircraft, this can result in inaccurate readings related to location, altitude, speed or timing. While modern aviation systems include multiple layers of redundancy, experts warn that persistent spoofing attempts can affect situational awareness and complicate flight operations.

The concern is reflected in recent government data. Information presented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in Parliament earlier this year showed that airlines reported 2,354 GPS interference incidents between November 2023 and December 2025.

A further 623 incidents were recorded during just the first two months of 2026.

The figures indicate a dramatic increase in the frequency of such events. Monthly average reports rose from roughly 91 incidents to approximately 312 incidents, representing an increase of around 244 per cent.

In response, aviation regulators have stepped up monitoring efforts. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued operational procedures and reporting guidelines for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference incidents. Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been working with the Wireless Monitoring Organisation (WMO) to investigate reported disruptions.

Kaushik told News18 that there is growing concern over the possibility of attackers exploiting satellite-supported communications infrastructure to launch navigation-related attacks.

"The objective of such attacks could be to disrupt aviation systems, create safety risks, and damage the nation's international reputation," he said.

He added that strengthening vulnerable systems must now become a priority. According to Kaushik, identifying weaknesses and improving resilience will be essential to reducing future risks and preventing repeated attacks against critical aviation infrastructure.

As investigations continue, authorities are expected to further examine the origins of the interference and the broader networks potentially involved in these increasingly sophisticated operations.