GPS Attacks Soar in Strait of Hormuz Amid US-Israeli War on Iran

Shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz has slowed significantly following the onset of the United States and Israel’s war against Iran, with over 1,100 vessels experiencing severe GPS and automatic identification system (AIS) disruptions since February 28. These electronic interference attacks, which include both jamming and spoofing, have created perilous navigation conditions and prompted warnings of a “critical” risk to maritime operations.

Maritime intelligence firm Windward reports a dramatic surge in electronic interference, far exceeding typical baseline levels. Ami Daniel, Windward’s CEO, described the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas as “very dangerous.” Since the initial US-Israeli strikes, numerous ships have been falsely depicted on digital maps, appearing as if they were inland or at sensitive locations like a nuclear power plant or airports.

Analysis of shipping data reveals an “escalating” level of electronic interference across Iranian, United Arab Emirates, Qatari, and Omani waters. Windward has identified approximately 21 “new clusters” where ships have experienced AIS data jamming. While both jamming and spoofing techniques are employed, the majority of the activity identified so far has been jamming, which overwhelms satellite signals to prevent accurate positioning data.

Spoofing, the other prevalent form of electronic interference, generates false signals that can mislead navigation systems, making vessels appear in incorrect locations. Reports indicate ships were falsely positioned at airports, a nuclear power plant, and on Iranian land, presenting significant navigation and compliance risks. AIS signals have even been diverted to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and nearby waters, while hundreds of other vessels are observed creating unusual circle-like patterns off the coasts of the UAE, Qatar, and Oman.

The implications of inaccurate location data are severe. Ships risk veering off course, potentially leading to collisions with other tankers, running aground, or causing disastrous oil spills. Already, at least three tankers in the region have sustained damage in the escalating conflict. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) issued a stark warning on March 1, classifying the situation as “critical” and stating that physical and electronic attacks on ships are “almost certain.”

The JMIC notice specifically highlighted “significant GNSS interference” across the Strait of Hormuz approaches, the Gulf of Oman, and the southern Arabian Gulf. Observed impacts include positional offsets, AIS anomalies, and intermittent signal degradation. The center warned that degraded positional integrity amplifies risk, particularly amidst aerial threats and navigational challenges due to congestion, increasing the probability of incidents or miscalculations.

While the current focus is on maritime threats, electronic interference has also impacted air travel. Jeremy Bennington, Vice President of positioning, navigation, and timing strategy and innovation at Spirent Communications, noted at least six new spoofing signatures in the Middle East, affecting hundreds of flights. However, this impact decreased significantly as flights were canceled, leaving shipping with the greatest immediate jamming risk.

Attacks on GPS and navigation systems have been on a global ascent in recent years, largely propelled by conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. In warzones, electronic interference is frequently utilized to disrupt the navigation systems of drones or missiles, which depend on precise location data for targeting. Such interference is not new to the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas, with past incidents of significant jamming reported during missile exchanges between Israel and Iran.

As the immediate conflict continues to expand, the potential for greater levels of GPS and AIS interference looms large. Ami Daniel cautioned that a larger radius of attacks will inevitably lead to more widespread jamming and, consequently, increased risks across the region.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between GPS jamming and spoofing?

A: GPS jamming involves overwhelming satellite signals, making accurate positioning data unavailable. GPS spoofing, on the other hand, creates false signals that trick a navigation system into believing it is in an incorrect location, such as making a ship appear inland or at a different facility.

Q: How dangerous is the current situation for ships in the Strait of Hormuz?

A: The situation is considered “critical” by maritime officials. The widespread electronic interference creates significant navigation risks, increasing the likelihood of collisions, vessels running aground, and potential oil spills. Three tankers have already been damaged, and physical and electronic attacks are deemed “almost certain.”

Q: Is air travel also being affected by these electronic attacks?

A: Yes, commercial air travel has also experienced electronic interference. There have been reports of new spoofing signatures impacting hundreds of flights in the Middle East. However, the impact on air travel has lessened as many flights have been canceled, leaving shipping currently facing the greatest jamming risk.