Nearly 1,000 commercial ships navigating near Iran are facing daily GPS interference due to escalating electronic warfare in the region, especially between Israel and Iran. This has raised serious safety concerns across critical waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Escalating Disruptions from Electronic Warfare
Ships have experienced widespread GPS jamming and spoofing, causing them to disappear from radar or appear miles off course — sometimes even on dry land. Most disruptions are linked to military activity rather than deliberate attacks on commercial vessels. In one incident, a supertanker seemed to appear on a hilltop near an Iranian gas field.
Impact on Navigation and Collision Risks
The interference has rendered key navigational systems unreliable, forcing crews to rely on visual methods. One spoofing incident caused a collision between two tankers near the Persian Gulf, resulting in a 10 km² oil spill. These navigational failures raise the risk of maritime accidents, grounding, and collisions.
Global Maritime Alarm and Safety Measures
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) issued a rare warning in March 2025, urging member states to protect critical navigation systems. Some shipowners are now investing in costly military-grade anti-jamming equipment—costing up to $50,000 per vessel—but these systems require regular upgrades due to evolving threats.
As geopolitical tensions fuel electronic warfare, the maritime industry faces increasing vulnerabilities. With lives, cargo, and the environment at stake, protecting navigation systems is now a global maritime priority.
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Source: SAN
