GPS Denial – DVLs Offer a Robust Navigation Solution

GPS denial is a real risk to defence operations globally. In November 2018 it was reported that Russian efforts to disrupt NATO wargames with electronic warfare were suspected of putting airline passengers at risk by jamming satellite navigation systems across Norway and Finland.

This risk to maritime operations is similar, particularly for those operations which rely on precise position like mine countermeasures. Precise location of Mine Like Objects is the first step in conducting successful clearance operations. The Mine Like Objects must be precisely located by the search function so that they can be re-acquired for clearance operations. Clearance systems also depend on precise navigation to re-acquire and prosecute contacts. Those clearance systems that depend exclusively on GPS signal for location (e.g. small boats operating One Shot Mine Disposal Systems) will be rendered ineffective in times of GPS denial.

Teledyne RDI has a solution for ships or systems that need to navigate where the GPS signal might be blocked or jammed. For safe maritime operations, the Teledyne RDI Doppler Velocity Log can provide an enhancement or replacement when GPS is unavailable – or when redundancy is needed. Ships such as the Huon Minehunter Coastal are equipped with DVL capability making them inherently resistant to GPS denial attacks. Systems such as the REMUS Unmanned Underwater Vehicle integrate DVL technology that provides for bottom-lock to 200 metres so that underwater search operations can be conducted in very deep water to high accuracy.

Minehunter ships such as the Huon Class are inherently resistant to GPS denial attacks by intentional interference, such as jamming and spoofing.