India has deployed state-of-the-art jamming systems along its western border to disrupt Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals used by Pakistani military aircraft, severely affecting their navigational and strike capabilities, sources revealed on Thursday.
The decision follows India’s issuance of a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), which came into effect on 30 April and bars all Pakistani-operated aircraft from Indian airspace until 23 May. The ban applies to commercial as well as military flights and affects Pakistani-registered aircraft across all four Indian Flight Information Regions — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
According to sources, the jamming systems are capable of interfering with multiple satellite navigation platforms, including GPS (United States), GLONASS (Russia), and Beidou (China) — all reportedly used by the Pakistani military.
“The deployment is designed to impair Pakistan's situational awareness, targeting accuracy, and the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions during any potential conflict or incursion,” sources added.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between the two countries following the 22 April terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, in which 26 civilians were killed. In the aftermath, India not only issued the airspace restriction but also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and revoked visas of Pakistani nationals.
Official sources said Pakistani carriers had already begun rerouting flights to avoid Indian airspace ahead of the NOTAM, fearing retaliatory Indian action. With the restriction now enforced, Pakistani airlines will be compelled to take longer routes via Chinese or Sri Lankan airspace to access Southeast Asian destinations such as Kuala Lumpur.
These diversions are expected to significantly impact flight times and operating costs. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the national carrier operating 32 aircraft, will be particularly affected, with flights to Southeast Asia and the Far East projected to be extended by one to two hours.
The added flight time will not only require additional fuel but may also increase crew duty hours, forcing adjustments to schedules or even reducing service frequency.
In contrast, Indian carriers such as IndiGo and Air India are better placed to absorb disruptions, with fleets exceeding 370 and 200 aircraft respectively, and several more on order.
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