What Is GPS Jamming? The ‘Dangerous Tech’ Disrupting Modern Warfare

New Delhi: Amidst the increasing tension between Iran and America and Israel, a technology has come into discussion whose impact can be directly seen from the battlefield to the everyday life of common people. There is talk of GPS jamming. Recent reports have revealed that this technology is being used to divert drones and missiles from their targets. In such a situation, it becomes important to know what GPS jamming is and how it works.

What is GPS jamming?

GPS jamming is actually an electronic interference technique, the purpose of which is to weaken or block the GPS signal coming from the satellite. This can cause any device—such as a mobile phone, car navigation system or drone—to see an incorrect location or the signal may disappear altogether. In simple language, this technology confuses the device, due to which it is unable to work in the right direction.

How does this technology work?

In this, special types of radio signals are used, which suppress the real GPS signal. When these signals are too strong, the device may begin to pick up inaccurate or incomplete data instead of actual satellite data. The result is that both location and direction get messed up. This is the reason why this technology has more impact on those systems that depend on precise positioning.

Why is its use increasing in war?

According to defense experts, GPS jamming has today become a relatively cheap and effective way to disable enemy weapons. When missiles or drones do not get the correct location, they deviate from their target. There have been many instances in recent conflicts where weapons have fallen far short of their intended targets.

Does it affect common people also?

This technology is not limited to war only. If GPS jamming occurs in any area, common people may also have to face problems there. Common examples of this are showing wrong location in mobile, cab apps not giving correct route or maps getting messed up. Even the navigation systems of aircraft and ships can be affected.

Will the danger increase in the future?

Technical experts believe that GPS jamming may become more advanced in the future. As the role of technology in war increases, the use of such electronic methods will also increase. In such a situation, it has become necessary to develop new security measures and alternative navigation systems to deal with this.