The United Nations has raised “grave concern” over the rising interference in satellite navigation systems like GPS, which are crucial for aviation, maritime safety, and telecommunications. On Tuesday, the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and International Maritime Organization (IMO) jointly urged countries to take stronger protective measures against these disruptions.
Growing Threats to Global Navigation Systems
With increasing geopolitical tensions, the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have been increasingly targeted, with reports of interference rising since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. These systems, used in both military and civilian applications, are critical for the navigation of aircraft, ships, and humanitarian vehicles, as well as for synchronizing global telecommunications networks.
Types of Interference and Their Risks
The UN agencies warned about two primary types of interference affecting GNSS:
- Jamming Attacks: These block access to satellite signals, preventing proper navigation.
- Spoofing Attacks: These send false signals, causing vessels or aircraft to calculate incorrect positions, potentially leading to dangerous consequences.
Call for Stronger Protections
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized the need for urgent action, stating, “Global Navigation Satellite Systems are critical to our safety on land, at sea, and in the air. Member States should ensure their uninterrupted operation to protect essential services that millions rely on.”
In their joint statement, the UN agencies called for:
- Enhanced protection of the RNSS radio-frequency band, which GNSS operates within, to prevent harmful interference.
- Strengthening resilience of systems relying on GNSS, including backup navigation infrastructure.
- Mandatory reporting of GNSS interference cases, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Development of mitigation techniques to counteract service disruptions.
Ensuring Global Safety and Stability
The UN’s warning highlights the urgent need for nations to safeguard satellite navigation systems from increasing threats. As the reliance on GNSS continues to grow across industries, securing these critical systems is paramount to ensuring global safety, stability, and uninterrupted communication.
Sources By Agencies
