Evaluating GNSS Spoofing and Jamming Attacks on UAV Navigation: Implementation and Impact

The rapid increase in the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) across various critical sectors, such as defense, underscores the urgent need to address their vulnerability to GPS-based interference. This project examines the dual threats of GPS spoofing and jamming, both of which can significantly undermine the integrity and reliability of drone operations. Spoofing misleads the flight controller by manipulating location data causing the drone to believe it is operating in a different location than its actual position, while Jamming disrupts communication with satellite signals, making navigation systems ineffective. Utilizing a Cube Orange with Pixhawk, HackRF One, Here3+ GPS, and a custom- built VCO-based RF jammer, this study examines the serious implications of these threats on drone stability and functionality. The project follows a systematic approach, starting with the careful assembly and calibration of a custom quadcopter. By employing gps-sdr-sim software and HackRF One, realistic spoofing signals were created to manipulate GPS telemetry, while a custom-designed jammer circuit, developed in Altium Designer, showcased the ability to disable navigation systems completely. Testing and validation were carried out using Mission Planner and QGroundControl, revealing that spoofing could convincingly change the drone’s perceived location, resulting in incorrect behavior, while jamming led to immediate operational failure.