In a notable escalation of tensions, India has deployed sophisticated jamming systems along its western border aimed at disrupting the navigation capabilities of the Pakistani military. Government sources report that these jammers can interfere with major satellite-based navigation platforms including American GPS, Russian GLONASS, and Chinese Beidou systems, all vital for the operational efficiency of Pakistan’s military aviation.
This deployment is timed with India’s decision to close its airspace to all aircraft registered, operated, or leased by Pakistan, effective from April 30 to May 23. The closure impacts all four major Indian Flight Information Regions: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, effectively halting any Pakistan-related air traffic.
The government sources suggest that the primary goal of the jammers is to hamper Pakistan’s situational awareness and targeting precision, particularly if military conflict were to arise. By degrading the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions and disrupting satellite-based navigation, India aims to create a strategic deterrent against potential incursions.
The airspace closure follows a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities and marked a significant increase in hostilities between the two nuclear-armed nations. In response to this incident, India has adopted a series of retaliatory measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and revoking visas for Pakistani nationals, signaling a more aggressive stance.
As a result of the airspace ban, Pakistani airlines, notably Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), are now compelled to reroute their flights through Chinese or Sri Lankan airspace to access Southeast Asian destinations like Kuala Lumpur. This shift is expected to elevate operational costs considerably due to increased fuel consumption, extended flight durations, and added logistical challenges.
In contrast, Indian airlines such as IndiGo and Air India, which operate larger fleets, remain unaffected by these new restrictions, further tilting the regional aviation dynamics in favor of India.
The measures taken by India demonstrate a significant deterioration in bilateral relations and reflect a more assertive approach to addressing cross-border security threats.
