India Deploys Jammers to Disrupt Pakistan's Aircraft Navigation Systems

India has deployed advanced jamming systems along its western border to disrupt the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals used by Pakistani military aircraft. This move significantly degrades their navigation and strike capabilities, sources confirmed. The jamming systems can interfere with multiple satellite-based navigation platforms, including GPS (United States), GLONASS (Russia), and Beidou (China)—all of which are used by Pakistani military craft. The decision to implement this measure follows India’s closure of its airspace to all Pakistani-operated flights from April 30 to May 23. (From Business Today)

These systems are designed to impair Pakistan’s situational awareness, targeting accuracy, and the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions in the event of a potential conflict or incursion, sources explained. The deployment is part of a broader strategy to weaken Pakistan’s military capabilities during times of heightened tensions.

The move comes after India shut its airspace to all Pakistani-operated flights effective from April 30 to May 23 (Image for Representation).

This development occurs amid rising animosity between India and Pakistan, triggered by the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. In retaliation, India issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), effectively restricting its airspace to all aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan, including commercial airlines and military flights.

The NOTAM followed a pattern of precautionary actions by Pakistani airlines, which had already begun rerouting flights to avoid Indian airspace due to concerns about possible retaliation. Now that the airspace restriction is formalized, Pakistani airlines will be forced to take longer and more expensive routes through Chinese or Sri Lankan airspace to reach Southeast Asian destinations such as Kuala Lumpur. This airspace closure is part of a series of retaliatory measures India has taken following the Pahalgam attack, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals. (From India Today)

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national carrier operating a fleet of 32 aircraft, is expected to be hit hardest by these changes. Many of PIA’s flights to Southeast Asia and the Far East will now be extended by one to two hours. These detours will increase fuel consumption, extend crew duty hours, and may lead to rescheduling or frequency cuts. In contrast, Indian carriers like IndiGo, with over 370 aircraft, and Air India, with more than 200, are better equipped to manage these disruptions.

Conclusion

India's strategic deployment of jamming systems and the closure of its airspace to Pakistani flights are major steps aimed at countering Pakistan’s military capabilities while escalating tensions between the two countries. The impact on Pakistani air traffic, especially Pakistan International Airlines, underscores the significant geopolitical and economic consequences of the ongoing standoff.