Image:IMO
A joint warning from three major UN agencies is turning heads in the maritime, aviation, and telecom sectors as they raise serious concern over a sharp rise in jamming and spoofing of satellite navigation systems.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and International Maritime Organization (IMO) have released a rare joint statement calling on governments worldwide to take immediate action. The rise in interference is hitting the core of global safety infrastructure—Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)—used by ships, planes, and critical communications.
Incidents of jamming (deliberate blocking of signals) and spoofing (sending fake signals) are reportedly becoming more frequent and sophisticated. These disruptions target GNSS frequencies assigned to the Radio Navigation Satellite Service (RNSS), which are essential for everything from shipping routes to aircraft navigation. When these signals are compromised, the ripple effect extends far beyond the immediate area.
The agencies list five urgent actions Member States must take. These include stronger protection of RNSS systems, more resilient navigation and timing tech, keeping traditional navigation systems alive as backups, increasing inter-agency collaboration, and enforcing better reporting mechanisms for interference incidents.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the IMO, underscored the maritime impact: “The safety of seafarers and shipping relies on the resilience of systems to support safe navigation and communication. Interference with Global Navigation Satellite Systems poses a serious risk to shipping activities, which could cause collisions and grounding.”
Maritime systems such as the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) are deeply reliant on GNSS for functions like real-time positioning and accurate timing. Regulation V/19.2.1.6 of the SOLAS Convention already mandates that every ship—regardless of size—must be equipped with GNSS or equivalent navigation tools. But hardware alone can’t counter signal interference coming from nearby regions or state actors.
The IMO’s own Maritime Safety Committee had earlier urged Member States, via MSC.1/Circ.1644, to reduce signal interference and inform mariners of affected areas through advisories. The ITU’s Radio Regulations also spell it out: safety services like GNSS need special measures to protect their frequencies from harmful use.
Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary-General of ICAO, explained how aviation safety is under threat too. “Radio Navigation Satellite Service interference can impact aircraft operations far beyond the immediate affected area, creating potential safety risks across multiple flight regions.”
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of ITU, added: “Global Navigation Satellite Systems are critical to our safety on land, at sea and in the air. Member States should ensure the uninterrupted operation of these systems for everyone’s safety and the resilience of essential services that our lives depend on.”
GNSS isn’t just about GPS directions on a phone. It’s a critical artery that, if clogged by interference, could paralyze global trade, transport, and emergency services.
Sourcs:IMO
