Hanwha Defense, a leading defense company in South Korea, has announced that it unveiled the fully integrated Redback infantry fighting vehicle (IFV to compete in the test and evaluation trials being conducted as part of the Risk Mitigation Activity for project Land 400 Phase 3. Hanwha Defense delivered a total of three REDBACK prototypes to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including Unit 3, which was shipped from Masan Port on December 18th and left for Australia.
Land 400 Phase 3 is an $18 to $27 billion project tasked to acquire a fleet of tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles that will replace the M113AS4 fleet. This is the first time that the ADF will have a dedicated Infantry Fighting Vehicle and will be the cornerstone of the Army Close Combat Capability. Close Combat Capability is the chief contribution of Army to combat operations. Hanwha’s Redback is a next generation IFV developed specifically for the Australian Infantryman with advantages literally built into it from the ground up.
Team Redback is the group of companies led by Hanwha Defense Australia that will deliver the best of breed technologies from around the world and Australia. Team Redback currently includes Electro Optic Systems, Elbit, ECLIPS, Milspec, Bisalloy, Soucy, Marand and CBG Systems and continues to expand rapidly. The vehicle boasts an advanced layered protection system including Elbit’s active protection system, Plasan’s world class armour and a structure designed to protect occupants from the effects of blast.
Redback’s main armament is a Mk44S Bushmaster II 30mm cannon capable of firing all natures of 30mm x 173mm ammunition in service with 19 nations, including the US, the UK, and other allies and NATO forces. The cannon fires ammunition from numerous providers, including advanced munitions such as proximity fused rounds.The Redback is also armed with a 7.62mm co-axially mounted machine gun, and the Electro Optic System’s remote weapons station can be fitted with a range of weapons including 7.62mm machine gun, .50 calibre machine and an automatic grenade launcher.
