IAF AIRCRAFT HACKED BUT MISSION ACCOMPALISHED

The GPS spoofing of IAF aircraft during Operation Brahma was a stark reminder of modern aviation's evolving threats

- By AIR MARSHAL ANIL KHOSLA (RETD)

ON MARCH 28, 2025, A DEVASTATING 7.7-MAGNITUDE earthquake struck Myanmar, claiming over 3,649 lives and injuring more than 5,000 people. In response, India launched Operation Brahma, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) mission, to deliver critical supplies, medical teams, and rescue personnel to the affected regions. The IAF deployed six military transport aircraft, including C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster, to ferry 625 metric tonnes of aid to cities such as Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay.

THE INCIDENT

The first reported incident of GPS spoofing occurred on March 29, when a C-130J aircraft, carrying 15 tonnes of relief material from Hindon Airbase to Yangon, experienced navigation anomalies in Myanmar's airspace. Subsequent flights reported similar issues, with sources indicating that most of the six aircraft involved in the operation encountered GPS spoofing on multiple sorties. After the initial incident, IAF pilots were briefed to anticipate such challenges, enabling them to prepare for and mitigate the risks on subsequent flights.

The IAF later clarified that a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by Mandalay International Airport highlighted the possibility of degraded GPS availability. The NOTAM warned of potential navigation issues in Myanmar's airspace, and IAF crews were trained to operate under such conditions. Despite the disruptions, all missions were completed successfully, with no reported accidents or deviations from the planned routes. This underscores the professionalism and preparedness of the IAF pilots, providing reassurance about their capabilities in challenging situations.

GPS SPOOFING