Spoofing GPS is not hard, but to do so and get past two humans in direct contact is almost impossible.
So, yes, the operators knew it was being spoofed.
Additionally, INS (internal guidance) is a back-up.
Can't “hack” the UAV/RPV command link. Would need NSA-grade crypto-crackers.
So, watching GPS jamming/spoofing is an interesting exercise in technology but was not a threat to the control of the platform. . .like I said, you have at least two humans in the loop that would detect the platform going off kilter and they would disengage the auto-pilot and make flight control inputs to fly the platform.
There is a back door to everything operating on software, everything. Just ask the Iranians, or better yet, the White House. In the event you missed it, reread my post and the position I held from 74-76. It was much tougher to “crack” the code back then because the availability of the computers necessary to do so was extremely limited.
So I guess you can sleep comfortably thinking that just because it was a “controlled” exercise that someone with the access to technology way above UTA is not going to work on it because it was monitored by DHS. It is far different to expect an event than it is to it happening as a total surprise.