Indian Air Force C-130J Targeted by GPS Spoofing Attack During ‘Operation Brahma’ in Myanmar

According to defense sources, an Indian Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on a humanitarian mission in Myanmar was targeted by a GPS spoofing cyberattack while flying through the country’s airspace as part of “Operation Brahma.”

The attackers attempted to misguide the aircraft’s navigation using fake GPS signals. However, IAF pilots swiftly switched to the internal navigation system (INS), ensuring the aircraft reached its destination safely.

GPS spoofing is a sophisticated cyber tactic that involves transmitting fake satellite signals to confuse a vehicle’s location. Similar incidents have also been reported along the India-Pakistan border, with 465 cases documented between November 2023 and now in areas like Amritsar and Jammu.

The mission follows the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, killing 3,649 people and injuring over 5,000. India launched “Operation Brahma” to deliver medical aid, rescue support, and essential supplies.

However, poor weather, restricted internet access, and ongoing security challenges in Myanmar have made relief operations difficult. A second earthquake, measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, struck on Sunday but caused no reported damage.