GPS jamming has become a common issue in maritime operations in contested waters. According to a report released by Windward, this disruption affected 124,235 vessels globally in the third quarter of 2026, marking an 11.7% increase from the previous quarter.
Geographical Impacts of GPS Jamming
According to Windward, September was the busiest month of the year, with the Black Sea alone accounting for 30% of global GPS disruptions. These disruptions not only harm the maritime fleet but also cause vessels to report incorrect positions. In August 2026, out of 642 recorded transits through the Strait of Hormuz, 393 (61.2%) never actually occurred. This was due to interference in the AIS system, which disrupted the vessels' positions.
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Challenges from AIS Fraud
GPS disruption is not limited to geography. AIS fraud is an issue selectively performed by vessels. For example, in September 2026, the Philippine Coast Guard accused a research vessel flying the Chinese flag of falsifying its position. This vessel reported an unrealistic position while conducting marine scientific research. Such behaviors not only mislead but also pressure maritime fleets to exert more effort in identifying suspicious vessels.
While GPS disruptions act regionally, AIS fraud directly depends on the specific behaviors of vessels. This issue is particularly dangerous in conflict and monitored areas and requires more thorough analysis. According to Windward, by the end of the third quarter of 2026, the list of vessels with fraudulent flags reached 613, including 27 fake registrations.
The Importance of Multi-Source Operational Information
In a disrupted environment, no single source can be deemed reliable. Therefore, multi-source operational information becomes critically important. This information can include satellite imagery, RF tracking data, and historical behavior data of vessels. Windward emphasizes that positional data should be considered as influenced by adversaries to verify their accuracy.
Thorough data analysis helps fleets distinguish real activities from disruptions, leading to better decision-making. This approach enables fleets to utilize multi-source information and gain a more comprehensive picture of the maritime situation instead of relying on a single source.
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