IAF responds to reports of GPS spoofing in Myanmar, says crew took 'all due precautions'

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday issued a statement in response to media reports that its aircraft experienced GPS spoofing during its relief operations in Myanmar, and said that all missions were completed safely with necessary precautions in place.

In a post on X, the IAF said:“The possibility of degraded GPS availability was published by Mandalay International airport as NOTAM and all due precautions were put in place to cater for such conditions. IAF crew are well capable to handle such unavailability, while ensuring safety of flight and achievement of the designated task or mission. Accordingly, every mission was achieved as planned.”



The statement does not confirm any specific instance of GPS spoofing, but refers to prior notification about potential signal degradation near Mandalay airport and highlights that the aircrews were fully prepared.

What had happened, and when?

Earlier, sources in the military establishment had told news agencies that several IAF aircraft, including C-130J Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster, encountered GPS interference while delivering humanitarian aid to Myanmar between March 29 and April 1, following a powerful earthquake.

According to those reports, the aircraft switched to inertial navigation systems—a backup mechanism not reliant on satellite signals—when GPS spoofing was detected.

GPS spoofing is a form of cyber interference where false signals mislead navigation systems, potentially posing serious risks during flight. While it is often reported in conflict zones, this was the first such report involving Indian military aircraft in Myanmar.

Sources had also indicated that a majority of the six aircraft involved in Operation Brahma—India’s earthquake relief mission—were affected, and that aircrews were briefed to expect such disruptions after the first incident was reported.

The spoofing reportedly took place as the planes flew through Myanmar’s airspace, including regions around Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay.

The IAF, however, did not refer to spoofing or interference directly in its official statement, instead emphasising operational preparedness and the safe completion of all flights.

India’s relief efforts included transporting medical supplies, field hospitals, and rescue personnel to the affected regions in Myanmar, underlining New Delhi’s commitment to regional humanitarian assistance.