IQusion Developed the MARS Automated Command and Control System for the Armed Forces of Ukraine

IQusion presented the MARS automated command and control system — a volunteer development created by the company’s specialists to provide technological support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the context of military aggression. The solution aims to improve unit coordination and decision-making speed in field conditions.

The system was presented at the “People’s Defense” exhibition-forum (Kyiv, June 26–27, 2015). IQusion, a member of the international IT consortium Intecracy Group, demonstrated the software and integrated communication, information collection, and processing tools for the needs of the security sector.

What is a Combat Command and Control System (C2S)

An automated combat command and control system (C2S) is a complex of software and hardware designed for collecting, processing, displaying, and transmitting information about the operational situation between different levels of command. Its main function is to reduce the time between event detection, decision-making, and command execution.

Similar systems are used in the armed forces of NATO countries as a component of the network-centric command model. They form a unified information environment where all participants in an operation work with synchronized data and an up-to-date picture of the situation.

The implementation of C2S minimizes the impact of the human factor during the transmission of coordinates and commands, reduces communication delays, and increases the accuracy of interaction between units.

Unified Information Field and Interaction

The MARS C2S creates a unified digital field where military personnel, equipment, reconnaissance assets, and fire engagement means are integrated into a coordinated system. Each combat unit receives up-to-date information about the situation and can promptly adjust its actions.

Thanks to electronic maps with tactical markings, command transparency is achieved. Target coordinates are transmitted in digital format, which reduces processing time and minimizes the likelihood of errors.

The tactical chat, implemented in the system, provides targeted message exchange between users and groups, recording information in a digital log.

UAV and Sensor System Integration

The system supports integration with unmanned aerial vehicles, thermal imaging devices, rangefinders, and GPS receivers. Data from sensors are automatically displayed on electronic maps in near real-time.

This approach aligns with modern principles of building command and control information systems in NATO countries, where the speed of processing intelligence data and its immediate transmission to engagement assets plays a key role.

The practical effect is the reduction of time between target detection and coordinate transmission. This increases the accuracy of engagement asset application and reduces unproductive resource expenditure.

Component Architecture and Serverless Model

A key feature of the MARS C2S is its component software architecture. The information transmission and storage technology is implemented using a serverless model, which allows the use of devices with varying computing power and minimal energy consumption.

In the event of the loss of a single device, the entire information array remains inaccessible to unauthorized persons. Data transmission is carried out in an encrypted format using secure channels.

The system can be deployed or collapsed within minutes, meeting the requirements for mobility and operation in field conditions.

Practical Significance and Further Development

The MARS C2S integrates developments from Ukrainian manufacturers of sensor and specialized equipment, which enhances compatibility and expands the platform’s functionality. Such cooperation aligns with the principles of a comprehensive approach to modernizing command and control systems.

The experience of implementing similar systems in NATO countries confirms that command automation significantly increases the effectiveness of interaction between units and reduces response time to changing situations.

IQusion continues to work on improving the system’s architecture, taking into account practical operational experience, focusing on long-term stability, security, and technological compatibility with existing command and control tools.