Russian military educational institutions are training artillerymen to use the Glaz/Groza command and control (abbr. C2) system, which is analogous to Ukraine’s Kropyva, to establish interaction between reconnaissance and strike units.

Footage of the system being used by Russian cadets was shown in a report by the propaganda TV channel Zvezda at the Mikhailovskaya Military Artillery Academy.

The sporadic use of this software application was noticed by the Russian military in early 2024. The system is a map with the location of adjacent units and reconnoiter enemy targets tied to it.

The system ensures rapid coordination between units, allowing the operators of reconnaissance drones to quickly transmit information about the targets found to the command post and to artillery units for their timely destruction.

Like the Ukrainian system, Glaz/Groza has a library of ballistic data for artillery systems and ammunition used by the Russian army. With its help, a gunner can aim at a target within 2-4 minutes by entering coordinates, altitude, and weather conditions.

This includes classic howitzers, mortars, and rocket artillery, as well as infantry fighting vehicles and tanks. With the help of the system, the latter can fire from indirect fire positions.

The report shows how the software can be used on ordinary tablets, which should greatly simplify the introduction of the combat system into the army. The system’s interface and software are adapted for easy use in the field.

In general, Glaz/Groza reduces the response time from target detection to engagement to a few minutes, improves the accuracy of the first shot and ensures stable interaction between individual units at the tactical level.

“In one click, the exact coordinates are sent directly to the command centers, and from there to the crew of combat vehicles,” the Russian Armed Forces say.

The Russian military has previously used similar tactical systems, such as LIS, Vetek, and Repey, which were developed in Russia or directly copied from the Ukrainian app Kropyva.

Kropyva combat command and control system

This tactical combat command and control system was developed by Ukrainian volunteers and subsequently introduced to the army, which has been using it since 2014.

The system integrates the coordination of units on the battlefield and in the rear into a single ecosystem. It reduces the time of deployment of artillery battery means.