Spoofing resistant UAVs

This paper presents a new secure localization method that can e.g. be used for UAVs to obtain a new level of protection against hostile and unauthorized UAVs. While non-spreading code-encrypted (SCE) GNSS devices can be blocked, authorized UAVs using this method have unrestricted access to the non-spoofable and trusted SCE GNSS. The proposed method is to store short sequences of SCE PRN code chips on the user receiver before the mission. These SCE PRN code chips allow the user receiver to calculate at pre-defined points in time a secure and trustable SCE PVT position. Since no communication channel is required, this method mitigates the risk that hostile forces may try to jam the UAV's radio control. Moreover, radio silence can be realized, which is beneficial or even required for some missions. After a comparison with alternative SCE GNSS server-based techniques, the new architecture of such a system is described together with some first proof-of-concept results and an assessment about the potential security risks behind such a solution.