*IAF Jet Faces Mid-Air Navigation Hack; Disrupts Operation Brahma*
New Delhi: An Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, part of India’s Operation Brahma relief mission in earthquake-hit Myanmar, was targeted by a suspected GPS-spoofing cyberattack mid-air, sources reported.
The attack, which fed false satellite coordinates to the aircraft, briefly disrupted navigation. However, pilots quickly switched to the Inertial Navigation System (INS), ensuring the flight remained on course and safe.
GPS spoofing—a tactic involving fake signals to mislead navigation systems—has seen a surge in recent months, with over 465 cases recorded near India’s western border since November 2023.
India launched Operation Brahma after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, killing 3,649 people and injuring over 5,000. The relief mission has so far delivered 625 metric tonnes of humanitarian aid via six IAF aircraft and five Navy ships. Supplies, provided by the NDRF and Health Ministry, include tents, food, medical aid, and rescue equipment.
Efforts continue despite challenges posed by poor weather and communication restrictions under Myanmar’s military regime. On Sunday, another 5.6 magnitude tremor was reported, though no casualties were recorded.
