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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has partnered with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) to initiate steps toward approving Controlled Reception Pattern Antennas (CPRAs) for use in aircraft. This collaboration addresses GPS/GNSS jamming and spoofing threats, with the current focus on a Request for Information (RFI) to study anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies. The RFI, published on SAM.gov, aims to identify and evaluate vendors’ antenna technologies for potential integration into civilian aircraft.

CPRAs could significantly mitigate terrestrial-based GPS/GNSS jamming and spoofing, enhancing aviation safety by preserving situational awareness and reducing pilot workload during disruptions. The technology’s effectiveness in neutralizing ground-based threats positions it as a critical tool for maintaining reliable navigation systems.

RFI details and next steps

NAWCAD is leading the RFI process, which includes hosting industry days and establishing Cooperative Research and Development Agreements for testing hardware and evaluating performance. Responses to the RFI are due by May 26, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST, with questions accepted until April 25, 2025. Data from the RFI and subsequent testing will inform updated Minimum Operational Performance Standards for GPS/GNSS antennas and cockpit displays.

Dana Goward, president of the Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation, noted that this is a great first step, but cautioned that widespread adoption of CPRAs in commercial aircraft will take a long time due to the lengthy FAA approval and certification processes, along with the significant financial investment and effort required to install CRPAs in airplanes.

Although CPRAs address terrestrial threats, space jamming continues to be a critical concern. Adversaries often outpace countermeasures, necessitating continuous innovation to keep up with advancing threats.

FAA safety alert highlights risks

The FAA issued Safety Alert for Operations (SAFO) 24002 on Jan. 1, 2024, to alert operators and manufacturers about the risks of GPS/GNSS disruptions. The alert emphasized the potential for increased pilot workload and safety risks due to situational awareness loss during jamming or spoofing incidents.

On Jan. 17, 2025, the State Department proposed removing CPRAs from the U.S. Munitions List (USML), shifting their regulation to the Commerce Department’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This change, effective Sept. 15, 2025, aligns CRPA export controls with other dual-use technologies, streamlining their adoption. A 60-day public comment period is open via regulations.gov.