In the “GPS fraud” claim, the IAF says Myanmar “has reached a mission”

IAF aircraft prepares for Operation Brahma, a HADR mission attacked by Myanmar. Photo: X/@IAF_MCC via PTI

Sources in military agencies indicated that the Indian Air Force transport aircraft carrying relief materials to Myanmar, which hit the earthquake late last month, faced “GPS fraud”, and the IAF said on Monday (April 14, 2025) that its crew said the crew had the ability to handle such situations and that “all missions were achieved as planned.”

GPS (Global Positioning System) spoofing can be seen as a form of cyberattack, which includes generating fake GPS signals to mislead aircraft. Incorrect signals lead to misleading navigation equipment and pose a major risk to the aircraft.

“Mandalay International Airport has published the possibility of downgrading GPS availability as Notam and all precautions are appropriate to meet such conditions,” IAF said in an article on X.

Notam or “Notice to Pilot” is a notice made to aviation authorities that attempts to remind pilots of potentially dangerous aircraft.

The Post added: “IAF staff were able to handle this unavailable capability while ensuring flight safety and the implementation of designated missions or missions. Therefore, each mission was achieved as planned.”

Sources told PTI on Sunday that India sent relief materials to Myanmar on March 29 on C-130J aircraft, and its pilots reported that the aircraft’s GPS signals were tampered with in Myanmar’s airspace.

In total, New Delhi sent six military transport aircraft to Myanmar, transport relief materials, field hospitals and rescue teams, most of whom experienced GPS fraud, they said.

Of the six aircraft, five landed in Yangon and Nay-Pyi-Daw from March 29 to 30, while one was taken to Mandalay on April 1.

Sources from the military agency said the IAF transport aircraft that would carry rescue materials late last month faced “GPS fraud”, raising safety concerns as pilots were forced to rely on backup systems.

On March 28, the country was hit by a major earthquake and India launched Operation Brahma to expand aid to Myanmar.

In addition to the C-130J Super Hercules, the Indian Air Force also operates the C-17 Globemaster heavy transport aircraft to transport rescue materials and rescue teams to Myanmar.