COTS: Commercial off the shelf HMIs in harsh defense operations
Date: 14/11/2025
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Modern defense operations demand high reliability and rapid availability HMIs. Every piece of equipment, from communication systems to vehicle control panels, must perform flawlessly in harsh conditions. APEM COTS HMIs are specifically designed to operate in extreme conditions, shock, vibration, dust, water, and temperature variations, ensuring mission success and system longevity. Rather than developing custom systems from the ground up, defense integrators increasingly rely on COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) products, proven, available, and compliant with the strictest performance standards. When it comes to rugged HMIs (human machine interfaces), APEM’s COTS range delivers an ideal combination of durability, functionality, and speed to deployment.
What is COTS? And what does it mean?
The term COTS, or Commercial Off-the-Shelf, refers to products, hardware or software, that are ready-made and commercially available. A commercial off-the-shelf COTS product is not custom-designed for one customer but can be easily adapted for specialized uses.
In defense and industrial sectors, COTS is synonymous with efficiency and reliability. The commercial off-the-shelf COTS definition emphasizes solutions that are fully developed, tested, and certified before integration. Because they already exist on the market, these products are faster to acquire and simpler to maintain than bespoke systems.
Typical commercial off-the-shelf COTS applications include avionics systems, embedded electronics, data networks, and rugged HMI panels used in armored vehicles, submarines, and remote control units. Their versatility, combined with strict testing and qualification standards, makes them indispensable in defense modernization programmes.
What are the benefits of COTS solutions?
Reduced development time and cost
Developing a custom solution for military use is time-intensive and costly. By choosing COTS products, defense manufacturers can bypass long design and validation phases. These ready-to-use HMIs are already qualified for demanding use, cutting both cost and lead time.
For example, a COTS HMI designed for harsh environments can be integrated directly into a new platform without requiring new tooling or testing procedures. This efficiency accelerates project delivery and reduces total lifecycle cost.
Faster deployment
Because these products are available off the shelf, they can be deployed immediately. This is a decisive advantage for defense programs operating under strict deadlines or requiring rapid upgrades. Whether installing a new rugged human machine interface in an existing vehicle or equipping a next-generation UAV, applications ensure faster time-to-mission.
Reduced risk
Using COTS HMI solutions means integrating products with a proven track record. These systems have been tested in harsh environments and validated across industries, lowering the risks associated with unproven, custom developments.
Increased accessibility and support
Commercial off-the-shelf products are typically well-documented and available through streamlined procurement processes. This makes ruggedized HMIs and other components easier to integrate, operate, and maintain throughout the lifecycle of a defense program.
“Euro Defence 50”: COTS references for European defense programs
To support European defense programs APEM launched the “Euro Defence 50” operation, a curated selection of 50 COTS references engineered for harsh environments and available for immediate delivery*.
Each reference has been carefully chosen from thousands of part numbers in APEM’s extensive catalogue. The range includes switches, joysticks, keypads, LEDs, and controllers, all designed to meet the toughest operational conditions found in military vehicles, naval systems, UAVs, and ground control units.
Take full advantage of “Euro Defence 50”:
Some COTS HMIs with MIL, CECC & QPL approvals
Already trusted by major European defense programs
Immediate availability
Long-term sourcing guaranteed
Backed by a European manufacturer with 70+ years of experience
Whether for military vehicles, UAVs, UGVs, or control systems, these rugged HMIs are proven solutions trusted by defense integrators across Europe.
*Guaranteed delivery is offered, but is subject to customer order volume. Ex-stock availability and hence immediate delivery is offered for the APEM MOQ or pack quantity of each part number. For larger orders, APEM will confirm a delivery schedule.Those delivery dates are guaranteed and subject to a 25% price discount should they not be kept. Offer valid only in the EMEA region for all orders placed before 31/12/2026.
Expert’s perspective
Our 50 most selected MIL part numbers have been put in to stock across Europe, for guaranteed immediate delivery, to assist with the rapid development of new projects.
Stock is in place to facilitate the pre-production qualification phase into the production volume, to give our customers the confidence APEM will be there throughout the project lifecycle.
Dave Flaherty – Business development manager for Defense
Finding the right HMI for your program
Every defense project is unique. Whether you’re developing a new vehicle platform or upgrading a legacy system, the right HMI can make all the difference.
APEM’s specialists help defense integrators select the ideal COTS human machine interface for each application. From compliance verification to lead-time management, APEM provides clear, reliable information so you can focus on your mission.
Our rugged HMIs are available in various form factors, sealing levels (up to IP68), and mounting options to adapt perfectly to your operational environment. Each unit is tested to withstand vibration, impact, and temperature extremes.
If your project requires a quick-to-deploy, field-proven control solution, HMIs offer the perfect balance between reliability, performance, and availability.
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