American troops could soon find mortars easier to operate thanks to a new application that enables the artillery weapon to be controlled directly from a smartphone.
The “Mortars App” is built on a modern, reliable software architecture and features a user-friendly interface designed for battlefield use.
It is compatible across multiple operating systems, including Windows and Android, allowing a wide range of devices to run the software in operational environments.
Unlike legacy systems such as the Mortar Fire Control Software, which require laptops, Mortars can run on phones and tablets while consolidating its functions into a single integrated package.
Future updates are expected to require fewer resources than traditional systems, potentially accelerating the delivery of new capabilities to soldiers.
Development of the app is led by computer engineer Julia Gustafson, who said her team has “more modern software advances on the way.”
Years in the Making
Initial planning for the Mortars App began in 2020 and was completed ahead of schedule three years later, alongside related fire control solutions for the US Army.
Early versions lacked some core features and interoperability, but were still fieldable, with soldiers reportedly finding the system more advanced than expected due to its underlying software architecture.
The modern iteration, dubbed version 4.0, was released in 2024, with Gustafson noting that users adapted quickly and responded positively from the outset.
Military personnel familiar with legacy fire control systems were able to adopt Mortars App with minimal training, while user feedback has contributed to ongoing refinements.
Gustafson said soldiers have reached out to her team to praise how the system builds on legacy tools through a more seamless and intuitive workflow.
