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IRIS – is an Australian-developed tactical command, control, communications, mapping and common operating picture application designed for operations where communications may be degraded, disrupted, intermittent, limited-bandwidth or contested.
IRIS provides mapping, live situational awareness, tactical messaging, operational reports, file transfer, video and metadata integration, track management, tactical overlays, network bridging and extensible third-party integration within a local-first, decentralised architecture.
IRIS does not require a central application server for its core decentralised functionality. IRIS nodes can exchange operational information directly across available tactical networks while still interoperating with server-based systems, routers, gateways and other supporting infrastructure where operationally appropriate.
The Android version of IRIS is available for direct download and installation.
Before installing IRIS for Android, we recommend downloading and reading the IRIS Android Installation Guide. The guide provides information to assist with downloading, installing and configuring IRIS on a compatible Android device.
Android Mapping Note: The default map supplied with IRIS for Android is an offline map, allowing mapping to remain available when the device has no network or Internet connectivity. If suitable connectivity is available, users should enable an online map within IRIS to take advantage of online mapping services.
The Windows, Linux and macOS versions of IRIS include a modular plugin/extension framework that allows additional functionality to be added without requiring third-party developers to modify the IRIS core application.
Using the IRIS Extension SDK for Windows, Linux and macOS, NeoPlexus, customers, research organisations, industry partners and other third-party developers can create their own IRIS plugins/extensions for specialised operational requirements.
For users familiar with the TAK ecosystem, an IRIS plugin/extension serves a similar high-level purpose: it allows additional capability, integrations and workflows to be added to IRIS without making that functionality part of the core application.
Plugins/extensions can be used to provide capabilities such as:
IRIS plugins/extensions use versioned application interfaces and permission-controlled services. This allows a plugin/extension to request access only to the IRIS capabilities it requires, while keeping the IRIS core application and plugin/extension implementation separated.
Plugins/extensions can also contribute operator interface components such as map tools, map callouts, settings pages, side panels and other workflow controls.
Customers are free to develop their own IRIS plugins/extensions for the Windows, Linux and macOS versions of IRIS. A customer-developed or third-party plugin/extension does not require a separate NeoPlexus plugin/extension licence merely because it uses the IRIS Extension API. A valid licence for the underlying IRIS application is still required.
Selected plugins/extensions developed and supplied commercially by NeoPlexus may have their own licence entitlement where applicable.
The IRIS Extension SDK for Windows, Linux and macOS provides developers with the interfaces, packaging model, examples and guidance required to develop plugins/extensions for the IRIS desktop architecture. Contact NeoPlexus for access to the current SDK or to discuss an integration requirement.
Android Plugin Development: IRIS for Android uses a separate Android Plugin API and development model. Developers wishing to extend the Android version should refer to the IRIS Android Plugin API Guide and the available Android Example Plugins provided in the IRIS for Android section above.
IRIS uses Esri ArcGIS technology to provide a comprehensive tactical geospatial environment supporting 2D and true 3D mapping, online and offline map sources, imagery, vector data, elevation, routing, live feeds and tactical overlays.
ArcGIS dictionary-based military symbology enables IRIS to display MIL-STD-2525D symbols, tactical graphics and military control measures directly within the operational map environment.
IRIS can be supplied with configured ArcGIS credentials and also allows an organisation or operator to provide their own ArcGIS API key and ArcGIS Runtime licence where required.
IRIS supports online map services and dedicated offline map packages. Operators can use mission-specific mapping while completely disconnected and take advantage of online services whenever suitable connectivity is available.
This supports always-connected, occasionally-connected and fully disconnected geospatial workflows consistent with IRIS operation in disconnected, disrupted, intermittent and limited-bandwidth environments.
IRIS can ingest and display operational geospatial data including:
IRIS includes a suite of map tools for tactical planning and situational awareness, including:
IRIS supports the creation, editing, movement, deletion and sharing of MIL-STD-2525D tactical symbols, graphics and military control measures.
Operators can create tactical overlays locally, edit them before transmission, retain them as part of mission data and distribute relevant operational information to other IRIS nodes where required.
The symbology and tactical overlay environment includes:
IRIS can receive and display position location information and situational awareness data from multiple sources.
Core and configured data pathways include:
Additional tactical data interfaces are available through optional NeoPlexus plugins/extensions. These include:
Contact NeoPlexus if one of these interfaces is required for an IRIS deployment, demonstration or integration activity.
IRIS includes a track correlation engine that assists operators in managing live entities reported by multiple independent sources.
This is particularly valuable where the same real-world entity may be reported by several systems, or where different entities may appear similar because of duplicate callsigns, bridged networks or incomplete source identity information.
The track engine supports:
This allows operators to correct ambiguous or conflicting operational identity information without replacing the original source data.
IRIS supports geofences and areas of interest for monitoring operational events and locations.
Geofences and AOIs may be based on:
Geofences can be associated with tracked entities and operational events, allowing tactical graphics to provide operational relevance in addition to visual map context.
IRIS supports mission video playback and network video streams, including UAV, platform and other sensor feeds where appropriate metadata is available.
Where supported by the source stream, IRIS can process MISB/KLV metadata to correlate video with the operational map.
Video capabilities include:
This enables operators to understand not only the video image, but also where the sensor is located, where it is looking and the area on the ground represented by the video.
IRIS includes tactical communications tools for peer-to-peer collaboration. Operational messages are locally persisted to support review, retrieval and post-activity use.
Messaging capabilities include:
IRIS messaging is designed for tactical network operation and does not depend on an Internet email service for node-to-node operational messaging.
IRIS supports interoperability with adjacent tactical systems and data formats where configured.
Current core and configured integration areas include:
Additional interoperability capabilities available through optional NeoPlexus plugins/extensions include:
These plugins/extensions are available on request from NeoPlexus and can be provided where the relevant interoperability requirement forms part of an IRIS deployment or integration activity.
TAK interoperability is an IRIS capability rather than an architectural dependency. IRIS can operate independently while exchanging relevant information with TAK environments where required.
IRIS is designed around decentralised, peer-to-peer operation.
Core IRIS functionality does not require a central application server. IRIS can operate across existing IP, radio and tactical network infrastructure and can interoperate with server-based or enterprise systems where required.
Network capabilities include:
The IRIS Headless Gateway provides a lightweight IRIS gateway capability that can operate without the full IRIS operator interface. It is intended for deployment on gateway, edge-compute or supporting network nodes where IRIS connectivity and integration services are required without a dedicated operator workstation.
The Headless Gateway can participate in the existing IRIS decentralised network architecture and provide a controlled integration point between deployed IRIS nodes and external services. This includes the ability to link IRIS environments to AI capabilities where suitable connectivity, security policy and operational configuration permit.
Rather than requiring every deployed IRIS node to connect directly to an AI service, a designated Headless Gateway can act as the integration point. This allows AI-enabled services to be introduced while preserving the existing IRIS middleware, peer-to-peer networking and tactical data-distribution model.
Potential uses include AI-assisted analysis, summarisation, operator decision support, information extraction and other mission-specific services exposed through an approved gateway architecture. The AI service remains an optional supporting capability and is not required for normal IRIS operation.
Download the IRIS Headless Gateway
The IRIS plugin/extension architecture allows specialised communications bearers to be integrated without turning those bearers into a dependency for ordinary IRIS nodes.
This can include tactical radio interfaces, MANET systems, serial devices, specialist gateways and constrained-bandwidth bridge systems.
An optional IRIS plugin/extension supports WinIDM and MIL-STD-188-220 bridge concepts for connecting separate IRIS sites across suitable specialist bearers.
The integration is intended primarily for designated bridge or gateway nodes. The local IRIS environment continues to use the normal decentralised architecture, while the bridge carries the required site-to-site middleware traffic through WinIDM and the configured MIL-STD-188-220 network.
This provides a pathway for connecting IRIS sites over bearers such as appropriate IW, DAMA or other configured tactical links without requiring every IRIS workstation to interface directly with WinIDM.
Contact NeoPlexus if this plugin/extension is required for a deployment or demonstration.
IRIS includes tools to support tactical radio and MANET planning and troubleshooting.
Capabilities include:
This assists operators and planners where network performance is affected by terrain, antenna placement, bearer type, relay position or other environmental factors.
The current Windows version of IRIS includes a straightforward licensing workflow.
On initial installation, a user can begin with provisional evaluation access and can then choose to:
Licence requests are generated by IRIS as an .irisreq file and can be sent to NeoPlexus. NeoPlexus returns a digitally signed .irislic file for installation.
To install or update a licence at any time:
.irislic file supplied by NeoPlexus.A perpetual IRIS licence provides an ongoing right to use the licensed software. Software maintenance, technical support, updates, upgrades, future releases and additional NeoPlexus-developed plugins/extensions are not included with the perpetual software licence unless separately agreed in writing with NeoPlexus.
Licensing enquiries can be directed to [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
IRIS is designed as a cross-platform tactical software platform. Release availability and feature parity may vary between platform builds.
Windows: The current Windows version is available now.
Download the current IRIS Windows version
Linux: The current Linux version is available now.
Download the current IRIS Linux version
Android: The current Android version of IRIS is available now as a directly installable APK.
Before installing IRIS for Android, please download and read the IRIS Android Installation Guide.
Download the IRIS Android Installation Guide
Download the current IRIS Android APK
Android example plugins are available for developers and integrators:
Download IRIS Android Example Plugins
The IRIS Android Plugin API Guide is available here:
View the IRIS Android Plugin API Guide
Android Mapping Note: IRIS for Android is supplied with an offline map by default. This allows the application to provide mapping when operating without Internet connectivity. If suitable connectivity is available, users should enable an online map within IRIS to take advantage of online mapping services.
iOS: Keep watching for our upcoming IRIS iOS release.
macOS: The current Mac version of IRIS is available now and is supported on macOS 26 or later.
Download the current IRIS macOS version
For information concerning other platform builds or a particular deployment requirement, contact NeoPlexus.
Offline imagery, terrain, 3D content and mission map packages can significantly increase storage requirements.
Recommended Linux Network Buffer Configuration
For Linux installations, it is recommended that the receive and transmit socket buffer limits be permanently increased. Add the following entries to /etc/sysctl.conf:
net.core.rmem_max=8388608
net.core.wmem_max=8388608
net.core.rmem_default=1048576
net.core.wmem_default=1048576Apply the settings with:
sudo sysctl --systemThe following comments relate to earlier LNIC-related evaluation activity. They are historical observations and should not be interpreted as current Defence approval, selection, accreditation or certification of IRIS. Current applicability should be verified before reliance in formal material.
Read the Why Choose IRIS paper
The available IRIS videos provide practical guidance on how to use and configure the application, including feature walkthroughs and configuration examples.
If there is an area of IRIS you are unsure about, simply email us at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) and we will create a video to cover the topic.
The following are examples of offline Esri map packages that can be used with IRIS:
Contact NeoPlexus if you require additional offline mapping or assistance preparing mission-specific map packages.
When deploying IRIS across a network, ensure all participating IRIS nodes are running the same current version of the application.
IRIS is actively developed and updated. New releases may include additional capabilities, improvements, fixes or changes to functionality used between IRIS nodes. Running different IRIS versions across the same operational network may therefore result in inconsistent behaviour or prevent newer capabilities from being available across all nodes.
Before deploying or updating IRIS, check the version installed on each device and, wherever possible, update all participating nodes to the same release.
For operational deployments, NeoPlexus recommends standardising the IRIS version across the entire network before commencing an activity or exercise.
If downloading IRIS for multiple devices, use the current release links below and confirm that the same release version has been deployed across the network.
The current IRIS Windows, Linux, macOS and Android versions are available now:
IRIS for Android
Before installing IRIS for Android, please download and read the IRIS Android Installation Guide.
1. Download the IRIS Android Installation Guide
2. Download IRIS for Android – APK
3. Download IRIS Android Example Plugins
4. View the IRIS Android Plugin API Guide
Mac users: IRIS for macOS is supported on macOS 26 or later.
Android users: The Android download contains the directly installable IRIS APK. Please read the installation guide before downloading and installing the APK. The default Android map is an offline map designed to support disconnected operation. If suitable online connectivity is available, enable an online map within IRIS.
iOS users: keep watching for our upcoming IRIS iOS release.
Contact NeoPlexus if you would like to request an IRIS demonstration, undertake a live trial, request an available NeoPlexus plugin/extension, develop a third-party plugin/extension, integrate a sensor or communications system, or explore other partnership and integration opportunities.
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