Hanwha Defense’s Redback AS-21 next-generation infantry fighting vehicle is undergoing field evaluation by the Polish Army.
The demonstration, which was proposed in early September and started in Poland in mid-October, was confirmed by the statement of Hanwha Group and the statement of Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Brashzak. The latter said that while “the domestically produced Bolsuk is a priority, the country needs to diversify its supply and replace the outdated IFV (BMP-1) as soon as possible.” He later added, “When selecting weapons, We will listen to the voices of experienced soldiers.”
Redback is being assessed at 19th The Mechanized Brigade is located in the east of the country.
Poland’s Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) develops and manufactures the Borsuk (Badger) tracked IFV to replace the more than 1,100 BMPs currently in service. Based on the Hanwha K9 self-propelled artillery chassis, its initial version includes water-jet swimming capabilities, limiting its weight to around 25 tons and possibly providing armor protection. It has a Polish-developed ZSSW-30 long-range turret with a 30mm automatic cannon and spiked ATGM as well as hunter-killer sights and fire control.
Around June 2022, the military, taking into account the lessons learned in Ukraine, began to consider a “heavy IFV” with a higher level of protection. It has been suggested that the Hanwha Redback could meet this “heavy” requirement and be deployed with Army Armor units receiving US M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 tanks.
Redback, also under evaluation in Australia, weighs 42 tonnes and has a modular composite armour with a 30mm penetration. Armament is 30mm Mk44 Bushmaster and Spike LG2 anti-tank missiles, and it has 3 plus 8 dismounted personnel. Panoramic field of view and advanced situational awareness including helmet-linked displays. Hanwha is supplying the Redback with a long-range turret or the Polish-developed ZSSW-30.
If the Polish Ministry of Defence determines that the Redback meets its needs, it may be possible to procure it under the same framework contract signed in July 2022, which covers the supply of K9-PL self-propelled howitzers and K2-PL main battle tanks. Hanwha has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Poland’s PGZ industry to include local content and possible technology transfer.
Stephen W. Miller
