Continued incidences of GPS interference, AIS spoofing reported in Middle East waters

Since May 6, 2025, Combined Maritime Forces' Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) and UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) have received multiple reports of GPS interference and AIS spoofing in the central Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz.

For the central Red Sea, JMIC assesses the interference is associated to Sudan’s internal civil war. In the Stait of Hormuz, GPS interference may be associated to military operations; however, AIS spoofing remains under investigation.

Both JMIC and UKMTO recommend that, during this time of electronic interference, it would be prudent for mariners to consider using traditional (i.e., non-electronic) means of position fixing to crosscheck their respective vessels' positions when in coastal or congested waters.

Vessels operating anywhere within the UKMTO voluntary reporting area that experience disruptions to electronic navigation systems — such as GPS, AIS, or other positioning, navigation and timing systems — are strongly encouraged to note the location and time of the disruption and take photos or video if the ship's electronics or navigation system (if impacted), and report to UKMTO as soon as practicable.

It has been over 180 days since the last direct attack on a merchant vessel. As the ceasefire continues, JMIC encourages all vessels transiting the Red Sea to maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

Any unusual activity should be reported to UKMTO without delay. This includes, but is not limited to: sightings of missiles or drones; behaviour inconsistent with normal maritime activity; unusual communications; or suspicious VHF transmissions.