IndoCertes Is Trying To Corner Military Simulations In Southeast Asia

IndoCertes is currently promoting its simulator for M113 APCs in regional arms shows.

An Indonesian technology startup is doing its best to establish its reputation as a provider of high-end simulators for Southeast Asian militaries. During the recent IndoDefence 2018 arms show in Jakarta IndoCertes displayed its simulator for the M113 APC. This is barely two months after IndoCertes were in Manila for ADAS 2018 hoping to raise the company’s profile. Aside from the M113 APC, considered by some as one of the most prolific armored vehicles ever made, IndoCertes can assemble an immersive training solution for the M109 self-propelled howitzer.

Each IndoCertes simulator combines a virtual reality headset with a driver’s station modeled after the one found on the original vehicle. For the M113 APC trainees are seated inside each station where they practice driving skills with the help of a nearby monitor. The Indonesian military’s dependence on M113 APC’s is what prompted IndoCertes’ efforts at making a simulator for it. Although Indonesia’s ground forces deploy a variety of both wheeled and tracked vehicles, nearly 200 M113’s make up the largest segment in its mechanized fleet.

Via IndoCertes.

Outside Indonesia, the M113 APC is still the most widely used tracked armored vehicle among ASEAN militaries and hundreds remain in service throughout the region. The Battle of Marawi in 2017 is the most recent conflict where M113’s performed an essential role as a combat vehicle and protected transport. M113’s are renowned for their ease-of-use and reliability no matter the terrain they’re driven on. These traits were apparent as early as the Vietnam War (1965-1973) when thousands of M113’s gave US and South Vietnamese soldiers a dependable troop carrier that can be armed to the teeth.

IndoCertes’ other offering is a simulator for the M109, the longevity-blessed 155mm self-propelled howitzer of the US Army, that’s also a mainstay among Asian militaries allied with the US. For a startup, IndoCertes’ business activities are rather eclectic–it’s also a regional exporter of a Ukrainian mobile mortar system and can assist defense ministries with producing unmanned vehicles.

If the recent IndoDefence proved anything, it was the emergence of the host country’s budding military industries. Aside from the assembly of air, land, and naval systems, Indonesia’s state-owned manufacturers are now skirting advanced technologies that may propel it from a net importer to a genuine high value exporter for its own military products. With training simulators still rare in Southeast Asia, IndoCertes have encouraging prospects ahead of them. Besides, they’re already catering to the region’s biggest market.