Sinkaos vs MilChat: a secure messenger with a map, or an operations workspace
MilChat is a Ukrainian end-to-end encrypted messenger with a built-in tactical map. Sinkaos starts from the other end: a shared operational picture with records, plans and teams, with encrypted messaging inside it. The comparison relies on MilChat’s own site and store listings.
Both have chat and a map. They weigh them differently.
MilChat is developed by Trident Defence in Ukraine. Its store listing calls it “a truly secure messenger”: end-to-end encryption built on the Double Ratchet algorithm, registration without a phone number, an encrypted local database and emergency deletion of data from the device. Its map supports CK-42, WGS-84, UTM and MGRS coordinates, tracks, location broadcasting, measuring, offline use and tactical markers in MIL-STD-2525D, which can be shared in chats. It runs on iOS and Android, on a shared public server or a separate server deployed on request.
Sinkaos is a field-operations workspace from a small independent team in the Czech Republic, currently in early access. Messages, photos and files are end-to-end encrypted too, but most of the product is about the operation itself: incidents, tasks, plans with alternatives, live positions, roles and guests, offline mission packs, an operator workspace in the browser and a timeline you can replay. It uses APP-6 military symbols next to civilian ones and exchanges data with TAK apps over Cursor on Target.
MilChat and Sinkaos, row by row
For MilChat we used milchat.app and its App Store listing (links at the bottom of the page).
| SINKAOS | MILCHAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Who makes it | A small independent team in the Czech Republic | Trident Defence, Ukraine |
| Main purpose | Running field operations: map, records, plans, people | Secure messaging with a built-in tactical map |
| End-to-end encryption | Messages, photos and files; records and positions encrypted in transit and at rest | Double Ratchet with prekeys, triple Diffie-Hellman on Curve25519, AES-256, HMAC-SHA256 |
| Sign-up without a phone number | Email or username, passkeys, single sign-on | Email, plus Google or Apple sign-in; contacts added by QR code, Nearby, username, email or ID |
| Second factor | Authenticator-app codes and passkeys | TOTP two-factor authentication with a backup code |
| Protecting the device | Encrypted local data, app lock, local and remote wipe | Encrypted local database, PIN code, emergency and remote data deletion, alerts on sign-in from another device |
| Coordinate systems | WGS 84, UTM, MGRS and others | CK-42, WGS-84, UTM, MGRS |
| Military symbology | APP-6, next to a civilian symbol set | MIL-STD-2525D tactical markers |
| Offline map | Offline maps and offline routing in a mission pack | Map works offline |
| Location and tracks | Live positions, recorded tracks, last known position | Location broadcasting, track recording, tracks shared in chats |
| Incidents, tasks and plans | Typed incidents and tasks, versioned plans with alternatives | Markers and notes on the map; no incident or task workflow on its official site |
| Operator workspace | Web app with map, queues, chat and timeline side by side | The official site lists iOS and Android only |
| Servers | EU hosting, your own servers, or a disconnected node | Shared public server, or a separate server deployed on request |
| Exchange with TAK apps | Two-way Cursor on Target | Not mentioned on the official site |
| Languages | English, Czech, Ukrainian | Ukrainian and English on the site; App Store also lists Russian |
Checked against milchat.app and the App Store listing (version 2.9.1) on 23 October 2026. MilChat is updated often; follow the sources for the current state.
Which one fits your work
Choose MilChat when
You mainly need secure conversation in small units, with markers, positions and tracks shared straight into the chat. It is free on the App Store and built around device protection such as emergency deletion.
Choose MilChat when
Your partners already use it, or you work with CK-42 coordinates and MIL-STD-2525D markers every day.
Choose Sinkaos when
You coordinate an operation rather than a conversation: incidents with owners, tasks with acknowledgement, a plan with alternatives, and a record for the after-action review.
Choose Sinkaos when
Civilian organisations need to work next to TAK users, or partners from other organisations join as guests for one operation. See civil-military cooperation.
Choose Sinkaos when
Someone in a command post needs a large screen. The browser workspace shows map, queues and timeline side by side.
What people ask when comparing the two
Are both end-to-end encrypted?
Can Sinkaos show MilChat markers?
Does Sinkaos support Ukrainian?
Which military symbols does Sinkaos use?
Can we run either on our own server?
Try it on your next operation.
Early access is free. We set up the first operation with you and stay close while you use it.