The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have issued updated guidance to address a surge in global navigation satellite system (GNSS) jamming and spoofing. Regulators report that these incidents are rising in both severity and sophistication, particularly near conflict zones, prompting new recommendations for pilots and air navigation service providers to utilize alternative positioning methods and electronic flight bag (EFB) tools to maintain operational safety.
Why are GNSS interference events increasing?
Regulators have observed a “notable increase” in GNSS jamming and spoofing since 2022. According to EASA, these events are increasingly sophisticated and severe. The agency identifies the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Middle East, Baltic Sea, and the Arctic as areas of heightened concern. The FAA echoes these findings, specifically advising pilots to maintain high vigilance when operating near Eastern Europe, the Black Sea, and the eastern Mediterranean.
EASA and the FAA emphasize that while their recent bulletins provide critical recommendations for managing interference, these documents do not constitute formal policy.
How can flight crews mitigate GPS signal loss?
To maintain safety during signal degradation, EASA urges air operators to rely on alternative navigation aids (navaids) to verify aircraft positioning. Sensor-based, autonomous inertial navigation systems (INT) serve as a primary technological defense. Honeywell Aerospace, a prominent supplier of these systems, is currently developing anti-spoofing receivers, multi-sensor fusion solutions, and advanced inertial systems to help operators detect and recover from signal interference.
Beyond traditional avionics, tablets are becoming essential safety tools. The FAA suggests that EFBs equipped with separate GPS inputs and moving map software can assist in detecting anomalies. EASA supports the use of Type B EFB applications that display near real-time data on radio frequency interference, allowing flight crews to anticipate and adjust to problematic zones before they are reached.
What is the future of navigation resilience?
Industry stakeholders are moving toward long-term solutions that operate independently of standard GNSS signals. Following a joint EASA-IATA workshop, industry experts identified EFB-based applications as a high-impact, near-term step toward improving resilience.
Looking further ahead, Iridium Communications is developing a Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) service powered by its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network. According to the company, this service is encrypted and serves as a resilient backup to GNSS. The provider anticipates that a PNT ASIC chip could eventually be integrated into flight deck avionics or used as carry-on equipment via an EFB. Honeywell Aerospace, a value added manufacturer for Iridium, may integrate this technology into future satcom boxes, potentially offering a solution that the company claims is “1,000 times more powerful” than GPS.
Pro Tips for Pilots in Affected Regions
- Monitor EFB Data: Utilize Type B EFB apps to view real-time radio frequency interference reports.
- Verify Position: Cross-check GNSS data with non-GNSS procedures and traditional ground-based navaids.
- Stay Updated: Regularly review the latest FAA Interference Resource Guide and EASA Safety Information Bulletins for regional updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GNSS jamming and spoofing?
Jamming involves the blocking or interference of legitimate signals, while spoofing involves broadcasting deceptive signals that trick an aircraft’s receiver into calculating an incorrect position.
Are EFB apps a replacement for certified avionics?
No. Regulators view EFBs as supplemental tools to assist with detection and situational awareness, rather than a replacement for certified navigation equipment.
Which regions are most affected by interference?
EASA and the FAA highlight the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Middle East, Baltic Sea, and the Arctic as primary areas where jamming and spoofing incidents are currently concentrated.
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