In view of the current global crisis situations, it should be noted that targeted disruption (RFI - Radio Frequency Interference) of protected GNSS frequency bands through so-called jamming and spoofing is state of the art. At the same time, the number of GNSS-dependent systems and applications in the military sector is also continuously increasing.
Targeted attacks on the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) relevant to GNSS signals are referred to as navigation warfare (NavWar). The aim of such attacks is to restrict the enemy's actions. To prevent this, it is essential to have an up-to-date NavWar situation picture in order to be able to take appropriate precautions and countermeasures.
Such a NavWar situation picture, including the underlying GNSS sensor network, is currently not available to the Austrian Armed Forces (ÖBH). The basis for such a system is a sensor network consisting of stationary and deployable sensors on the ground, sensors in the air (e.g. drones), and on satellites. At national level, this system is intended to cover the entire federal territory in a coarse mesh and in a denser pattern at critical points (air bases, ÖBH radar stations, barracks, green border, etc.). In addition, the use of mobile sensors is necessary for operations and priority regions (e.g., foreign missions or certain major events).
The GINA project is now intended to implement the first significant step toward a NavWar situation picture. To this end, a GNSS sensor network is being designed and implemented by connecting existing sensor technology to the network. Sensor data analysis and network data analysis will be performed using AI-supported algorithms to detect, characterize, and locate interference signals (jamming, spoofing) as accurately as possible.
At the end of the project, a mock-up of a NavWar situation picture will be available that visualizes the data from the GNSS network in real time. This will form the basis for determining the necessary steps and investments on the way to an operational system as a decision-making aid for the ÖBH.
The GINA project is thus an important first step toward the availability of a NavWar situation picture and makes a significant contribution to national security, the resilience of critical infrastructure, and the protection of our armed forces against modern threat scenarios.
Project Lead
JOANNEUM RESEARCH Forschungsgesellschaft mbH
https://www.joanneum.at/
DI. Roman Lesjak
roman.lesjak(at)joanneum.at
https://www.joanneum.at/personen/di-roman-lesjak/
Tel: +43 664 602876 5318
Steyrergasse 17 8010 Graz Steiermark
Partners
BRIMATECH Services GmbH
www.brimatech.at
Dr. Susanne Katzler-Fuchs
skf(at)brimatech.at
Lothringerstr. 14/3,
1030 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43 664 9689421
Bundesministerium für Landesverteidigung
Generaldirektion Verteidigungspolitik
Direktion Verteidigungspolitik und internationale Beziehungen
Abteilung Wissenschaft, Forschung und Entwicklung
https://www.bmlv.gv.at/organisation/beitraege/wfe/index.shtml
ObstdhmtD Dipl.-Ing. Christian Meurers
Forschungskoordination
+43 (0)5020110/22281
Mobil +43 (0)664 622 1912
Roßauer Lände 1, 1090 Wien, Österreich
