IT’S RUSSIAN ROULETTE IN THE SKIES

Taiwan Deploys NASAMS for Taipei Defense: Taiwan has deployed the NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) in North Taiwan to enhance Taipei's defense capabilities. This missile defense system offers a strong countermeasure against aerial threats, and its features are comparable to India's missile defense technologies, improving security in the region.

Last Updated on 24th January, 2025
6 minutes, 49 seconds

Description

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Context:

With increasing military conflicts and incidents of state actors posing a threat to civil aviation, the issue of training expertise and skills is becoming more important.

Background

Date

Incident

Details

Key Lessons

September 1, 1983

Korean Airlines Flight 007 shot down by Russian Sukhoi fighter jet

The flight deviated from its flight path due to a navigational error. All 269 onboard were killed. Hans Ephraimson-Abt, who lost his daughter, advocated for aviation safety. Russia opposed conflict risk regulations proposed by ICAO.

Geopolitical interests hinder aviation safety measures; need for stricter international conflict risk protocols.

November 22, 2003

DHL Cargo plane struck by a surface-to-air missile in Baghdad

The plane's left wing was hit by a missile. Despite losing all hydraulics, the crew used engine differential thrust to control and safely land the plane. The full fuel tank prevented an explosion due to lack of vapors.

Extraordinary skill in emergencies; need for improved defenses against terrorist attacks.

July 3, 1988

Iran Air Flight 655 shot down by the USS Vincennes

Mistakenly identified as a fighter jet by the US Navy during the Iran-Iraq War. Procedural failures and inaccurate assumptions led to the death of 290 civilians.

Emphasis on robust identification protocols and reducing procedural errors in conflict zones.

February 27, 2019

Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter shot down during Balakot operation

The Indian air defense system mistakenly identified it as an enemy target. The incident underscored the risks posed by inadequate identification protocols and human error.

Extensive training, technology upgrades, and effective identification systems are critical to avoid errors.

 Broader concerns

  • The shooting down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014 by Russian connected forces with a surface-to-air missile emphasizes the threat of armed conflict and renegade groups.
  • Likewise, the 2024 drop of an Azerbaijan airliner in Aktau, Kazakhstan, blamed on Russian anti-aircraft systems, shows a worrying trend of inattention or miscalculation.
  • Highlighting the vulnerability of contemporary navigation systems and GPS jamming could be contributing factors in the disaster.
  • Post-9/11 policies set down particular procedures to address radio communications anomalies and failures to stop passenger crafts from being seen as a danger.
    • Still, the 2017 interception by the German military of Jet Airways Flight 9W 118 demonstrates these rules are not perfect.
  • The Indian security regulator's rejection of the event as just a communication failure highlights the lack of responsibility and openness usually applied to dealing with close calls.

Challenges in Indian Aviation

Aspect

Details

Navigational Vulnerabilities

Proximity to conflict zones (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar) raises risks of GPS jamming, spoofing, and navigation system failures. Airlines lack clarity on implementing alternative systems like inertial navigation.

Pilot and Skills Training

High pilot demand leads to accelerated training, compromising quality. Inadequate preparation for GPS jamming or communication failures creates vulnerabilities.

Aging Aircraft Risks

Use of older, leased aircraft lacking robust capabilities for long-haul flights, especially over challenging terrains. Critical for routes to the U.S. West Coast.

Regulatory Gaps

DGCA was criticized for poor transparency and oversight. Incidents like Jet Airways Flight 9W 118 (2017) highlight failures in enforcing protocols and accountability.

 About Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Feature

Details

Affiliation

Ministry of Civil Aviation

Headquarters

New Delhi

Key Role

Regulatory body dealing with civil aviation safety issues.

International Coordination

Coordinates regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Main Functions

Safety Oversight

Ensures passenger and crew safety on flights operating in India.

Safety Inspections

Conducts regular safety inspections of airlines and aircraft.

Incident Investigation

Investigate incidents/accidents in Indian airspace and take preventive actions.

Industry Growth

Collaborates with airlines and airport operators to promote aviation growth and enhance passenger experience.

Airport Development

Develops new airports and upgrade existing facilities.

Air Transport Regulation

Regulates air transport services in India.

Air Traffic Systems

Develops new air traffic control systems and technologies for improved efficiency.

Licensing and Certification

Issues licenses and certificates to pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and other aviation personnel.

 Way Forward

  • Strict international standards from organizations like ICAO should be applied to inhibit misidentification and guarantee compliance in every member state.
  • Furthermore to be given priority to minimize human error in high-stakes circumstances are technological developments including fail-safe communication systems and AI-driven threat assessment tools.
  • In the situation of India, the emphasis should be on pilot training together with the implementation of sound standard operating procedures to guide challenging conditions.
  • DGCA has to proactively act to guarantee that safety is not jeopardized in the competition for aviation growth.

Conclusion

Both historical and current incidents of shooting down civilian aircraft are stark reminders of the devastating consequences of misidentification and procedural failures. As the aviation industry continues to expand, especially in regions such as India, the need for strict safety protocols and international cooperation is becoming more pressing.

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

  1. Discuss the key challenges faced by the Indian aviation sector, particularly focusing on infrastructure limitations, regulatory hurdles, and safety concerns. How can these challenges be addressed to ensure sustainable growth in the industry? (250 words)

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