Russian company has provided Iraq with a system that destroys GPS

In summary, a Russian company allegedly provided Iraq with a system that can jam GPS systems of cruise missiles, making them unguided. It is possible to jam a GPS signal, but reprogramming the target of a guided missile is not as simple as jamming the signal. GPS-guided munitions have backup methods of guidance if they lose the signal, and the military GPS signal is heavily encrypted, making it difficult to spoof. While jamming a GPS signal is relatively easy, pinpointing the source of the jamming can make that person a target.
  • #1
ranyart
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It has been said that a russian company has provided Iraq with a system that destroys GPS navagational status of onboard cruise missiles, rendering the missile to be co-ordinless?

As the first of these missiles that have been 'un-guided', how simple is it to actually 'jam' GPS sytems?..is it feasable?

Surely if one has such a system, then it is just as feasible that with todays technology, you could re-programme any 'GUIDED' system, to another co-ordinate, whilst the missil is still in flight? The speed of 're-guidence' systems could be used to send the missile back to where it originated from?

Is this situation possible?
 
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  • #2
Possible, maybe. But not with the same tech as a jamming device. A J-Dams bomb or missile receives radio signals from sattelites and, if I understand correctly, a jammer floods that radio frequency, so the guidence system is unable to receive. Recieving that signal is quite different from programming a target. To re-task the device to a new target would require reprogramming the targetting computer.

Or maybe it could be done by precisely mimicing the sattelite's signal, and convincing the missile it was at whatever location you tell it.
 
  • #3
It's actually quite easy to jam a GPS signal: you just transmit on the same frequency with more power. However, your jamming equipment needs to be fairly powerful to do the job properly -- even more so when GPS III comes out next decade -- and that makes it rather easy to pinpoint whatever's doing the jamming.

It's a fair bet that unlucky person would quickly become a target for lots of non-GPS guided weaponry.

All GPS-guided munitions will fallback to more primitive methods of guidance if they lose the signal. Cruise missiles usually have TV guidance systems; JDAMs and bombs might just go back to inertial guidance (become dumb bombs again).

The military GPS signal is heavily encrypted, so spoofing it is basically impossible.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2003/02/mil-030211-03349afpn.htm
 
  • #4
It's actually quite easy to jam a GPS signal: you just transmit on the same frequency with more power.
Maybe not as easy as it would seem - none of the jammers did their job and one was even taken out by a jdam.

Ranyart, it is possible to spoof gps and make it give inaccurate positions (for military gps you need to break the encryption to do that) but to make it give specific inaccurate positions to gain guidance control of a missile would be pretty much impossible.
 

FAQ: Russian company has provided Iraq with a system that destroys GPS

What is the significance of a Russian company providing Iraq with a system that destroys GPS?

The significance of this situation is that it highlights the potential for foreign interference in conflicts and political tensions. It also raises questions about the responsibility of countries and companies in the international community.

How does this system work and how is it able to destroy GPS signals?

The specific details of how the system works are not publicly known, but it likely uses jamming technology to disrupt the GPS signals. This technology transmits a high-powered signal on the same frequency as the GPS signals, causing interference and making it difficult for GPS receivers to accurately determine their location.

What are the potential consequences of this system being used in Iraq?

The use of this system could have serious consequences for both military and civilian operations in the region. Military forces may lose the ability to accurately navigate and communicate, potentially putting them at a disadvantage in combat. This could also affect civilian transportation, such as air traffic control and navigation for vehicles using GPS systems.

Is this system legal and are there any international regulations in place to prevent its use?

The legality of this system depends on the specific circumstances of its use. While there are international regulations in place to prevent the use of certain types of weapons, it is unclear if this system falls under those regulations. However, the use of this system in conflicts or for malicious purposes would likely be considered a violation of international law.

What actions can be taken to address this situation and prevent similar incidents in the future?

The international community can work together to monitor and regulate the use of technologies that can disrupt GPS signals. This could include creating stricter regulations and penalties for companies or countries found to be providing these systems to others. Additionally, diplomatic efforts could be made to discourage the use of such technologies in conflicts and promote peaceful resolutions.

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