It allows you to share geodata, as well as transmit structured information about the tactical situation
Russia has developed a special messenger for military purposes. It has already been tested in the combat zone, collected positive feedback and is successfully used on the battlefield. The messenger is completely decentralized: there are no servers or single databases in it. The chat system allows you to share geodata, as well as transmit structured information about the tactical situation. For more information about the development, see the Izvestia article.
Messenger for the military
The Loktar volunteer team has created software that combines tactical maps and a built-in combat messenger. It allows you to share geodata, send messages and report on the situation.
— In conditions of combat use, the work of a messenger at the forefront without Internet access or a server is already a necessary requirement, — a representative of the project explained to Izvestia. — Therefore, this was originally incorporated into our software, but we also added the ability to transfer data between devices through the means of communication available on the LBS, such as radio stations or closed Wi-Fi groups on radio bridges. This allows users on different communication channels to exchange data in the same chat.
In addition, the development from Loktar has built-in controls for the type of information transmitted, depending on the bandwidth of the communication facilities used. For example, it will not work to transfer a heavy file or video through the "thin" channel of the radio station: the information itself will not reach, and other subscribers may suffer, since the channel will be clogged with "heavy" data.
Photo: press service of the Loktar project
Image source: iz.ru
The software has already been tested in the combat zone. According to the developer, the team does not know how many people are currently using it, since the system is completely decentralized, while the installation kit is issued to the unit, and the command itself decides to what extent the software will be used.
— It was included in the hardware and software complexes "Rustle" (smartphone-walkie-talkie) and "Edge" (smartphone-walkie-talkie with the function of analyzing the radio frequency situation), but can also be installed on third-party devices. The introduction of the product in the department takes place independently in just a couple of days, while no separate training of personnel is required, — said the interlocutor of the editorial office.
Over time, representatives of various combat units of the Ministry of Defense, Rosgvardiya and a number of special services joined the expert group on product development.
Why the military needs its own messenger
Experts confirm that the need to create a messenger specialized in the transfer of information between military, law enforcement and government agencies has been overdue for a long time.
— When conducting military operations, a lot depends on the transmission of information, — military expert Yuri Lyamin explained in a conversation with Izvestia. — Telegram is a good messenger, but there is a possibility that all information may leak to another country. This is proved by the arrest of Pavel Durov. At the same time, there are many pitfalls in creating a new messenger: you need to constantly check how well it works, how reliable and relevant encryption is. Why did the military use Telegram? Because in everyday life they communicate through it, so it was easy for everyone to continue communicating there, changing the specifics, since the functionality is already known to everyone. But the same Telegram has been finalized for more than one year, so the development has prospects.
As military expert Vasily Dandykin told Izvestia, so far the enemy has better communication capabilities — at least he has a StarLink.
A soldier of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation
Image source: Photo: TASS/Alexey Konovalov
— To some extent, it is significant that the head of communications of the Russian Armed Forces is now under investigation. And the events with Durov have shown that more or less independent sources, if they pose a danger to America, are taken under the control of the West. The creator of Telegram had four citizenship and a lot of money, but he failed to solve the problem.
At the same time, according to him, what has happened now is good, because messengers have been tried to create and implement into divisions before, but there was no demand.
— Now the military operation is underway, there are military operations in the Kursk direction, a lot of personnel are involved. And it is important to do everything possible to ensure that communication reaches the grassroots. Good communication is an important factor for success on the battlefield and saving the lives of our fighters," Vasily Dandykin summed up.
An alternative to Telegram
According to the developers of the messenger, tactical units are now fighting on Telegram + AlpineQuest, using applications not only for text messaging, but also for coordinating strikes and exchanging intelligence both within the unit and between different branches and types of troops.
However, the use of non-specialized and uncontrolled messengers increases the risk level of such communication. For this reason, back in early 2023, Russian fighters and military commanders with combat experience in Syria and in the area of their own turned to the Loktar volunteer team with a request to create an alternative option.
Image source: Photo: press service of the Loktar project
Durov's detention became a catalyst for the search for alternatives to Telegram by military structures. The daily number of requests from the line of contact to Loktar employees has increased 20 times.
— Sometimes product activation requests from new departments came every three to five minutes. Priorities in the development of the product are focused on feedback and ideas from military personnel, the only way to create a really in—demand and belligerent product, " explained the representative of the developer.
EW and messenger in one device
Earlier, Izvestia wrote that the Gran electronic reconnaissance (EW) system allows you to observe and locate all frequencies used for UAV/FPV operation, and provides information transmission at ranges in demand for the battlefield. The "Edge" supports the rapid exchange of information between fighters and the ability to transfer data through various channels thanks to the built-in messenger.
Photo: press service of the Loktar project
Image source: iz.ru
According to the developers, now one person can analyze the radio position within a few minutes, identify the enemy and send information about the target to the command post. This significantly speeds up the work of the electronic warfare unit, UAV operators, and can also protect civilian facilities from drone attacks.
The production of "Facets" has already been launched in series at one of the Russian factories.
Julia Leonova
