Cyber Incident Victim: רשות שדות התעופה בישראל
Date:
Jun 2019
Location:
Israel
Summary
GPS signal disruptions at Israel's main airport significantly impacted flight operations, causing unreliable navigation data for aircraft in the vicinity without affecting ground systems. The interference, described by aviation authorities as a spoofing attack that falsified aircraft locations, prompted investigations amid accusations from Israeli sources attributing the incident to Russian electronic warfare systems deployed near Syria. While Russia denied involvement, reports highlighted its documented history of GPS manipulation tactics. Operational safety was maintained through alternative landing systems, with no accidents reported despite the prolonged disruptions affecting aerial navigation near the facility.
| CIA Posture | Motives | Tactics, Techniques & Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| Available to members | 2 motives | 1 technique |
| Threat Actors | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 0 actors | Available to members | Available to members |
Description
In early June 2019, GPS signals at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport became unreliable for aircraft in flight, significantly disrupting airport operations. The Israel Airports Authority confirmed the disruptions affected navigational data for pilots and planes during approaches but clarified that ground-based systems remained unaffected. No accidents or safety incidents occurred due to the availability of backup Instrument Landing System (ILS) procedures, which airport authorities emphasized as a routine and professionally managed alternative. The disruptions exclusively impacted airborne navigation systems near the airport, with receivers on affected aircraft occasionally displaying spoofed locations—incorrect positional data placing planes miles from their actual positions. The Israeli Airline Pilots Association characterized the incident as a deliberate GPS spoofing attack designed to generate false location information. Despite operational challenges, the Airports Authority maintained normal flight schedules through ILS utilization while continuing investigations into the disruption's origin.
Israeli media reports attributed the incident to Russia, with IDF radio citing unnamed high-ranking sources linking the interference to electronic warfare systems deployed at Russia's Hmeimim airbase in Syria—located approximately 350km north of Ben Gurion. These systems were reportedly used to protect Russian aircraft operating in Syria, where Russia maintained significant military presence including airbases and a naval facility. Russia's ambassador to Israel vehemently denied involvement, dismissing the allegations as "fake news" unworthy of serious consideration. The incident occurred against the backdrop of complex air operations over Syria, involving Russian, US-led coalition, and Israeli aircraft requiring coordinated deconfliction measures. A preexisting April 2019 report by the US Center for Advanced Defense Studies had documented over 10,000 instances of GPS disruption allegedly linked to Russia, noting the country's pioneering role in deploying such techniques to advance strategic interests. While Israeli authorities continued investigating the source, no conclusive technical evidence or attribution claims were formally released regarding the June 2019 airport disruptions.