// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

GPS Jamming

GPS jamming is the act of using a radio frequency transmitter to intentionally block or interfere with GPS signals. This prevents GPS receivers from accurately determining their position, navigation, and time.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

GPS jamming is a form of electronic warfare (EW) and navigation warfare (NAVWAR) that involves transmitting interfering radio frequency (RF) signals to disrupt or deny Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) services. This counter-space technique targets receivers, degrading an adversary's access to critical Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) data for munitions, vehicles, and communication systems.

BACKGROUND

GNSS jamming, including GPS jamming, is an act of communications interference to overwhelm global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers with powerful radio signals that drown out the navigation signals from GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, or Galileo satellite constellations. It renders the receiver unable to calculate its position or time accurately. A common tactic of modern warfare, such jamming can disrupt various GNSS-dependent devices, from vehicle and aircraft navigation systems to precision agriculture and mobile phone networks. In civil aviation, GPS jamming can disrupt ADS-B transmission.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • GNSS jamming
  • signal denial
  • PNT denial
  • navigation warfare
  • NAVWAR
  • satellite signal interference

USAGE NOTE

This term is frequently used in discussions of electronic warfare and asymmetric threats, as jammers can be small, inexpensive, and effective.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to GPS Jamming.

  • BAE Systems

    A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company that develops advanced electronic warfare systems, including GPS anti-jamming technology like the Digital GPS Anti-jam Receiver (DIGAR) to protect military aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    A global aerospace and defense technology company that produces a wide range of resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions, including anti-jam antennas and advanced GPS receivers designed to operate in contested electronic warfare environments.

  • RTX Corporation

    A major aerospace and defense manufacturer that develops sophisticated electronic warfare and navigation systems. Its subsidiaries, like Collins Aerospace and Raytheon, produce anti-jam GPS systems for missiles, aircraft, and ground forces.

  • Northrop Grumman

    A leading global security company involved in developing advanced electronic warfare suites and mission systems. Their work includes creating technologies to protect military assets from GPS jamming and spoofing while also developing systems for electronic attack.

  • Lockheed Martin

    As the prime contractor for the GPS III and GPS IIIF satellites, Lockheed Martin is fundamentally involved in making the GPS signal more powerful and resistant to jamming at its source. They also develop user equipment and integrated systems that leverage these capabilities.

  • U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL)

    The corporate research laboratory for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The NRL conducts a broad program of scientific research, including advanced PNT technologies, alternative navigation methods, and novel techniques to counter GPS jamming and spoofing.

  • Thales Group

    A French multinational company that provides services for the aerospace and defence markets. Thales develops a range of electronic warfare solutions, including GPS/GNSS jammers for training and testing, as well as anti-jamming systems for military platforms.

  • Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)

    A major Israeli aerospace and defense company and a global leader in electronic warfare. IAI develops and manufactures advanced GPS anti-jam systems, such as the ADA-O system, designed to protect platforms from GPS jamming on land, at sea, and in the air.

  • General Dynamics Mission Systems

    A defense contractor providing command, control, communications, and computing solutions. They develop Assured PNT (APNT) systems, such as the GPS Source Sentinel, that are designed to provide trusted location and timing data in GPS-denied or degraded environments.

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