The Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) has completed a six-week trial of Hanwha Defence’s Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) to support the platform’s continued efforts in the international market.
Along with Rheinmetall Defense Australia’s KF41 Lynx, the Redback IFV is a finalist in the Australian Army’s Land 400 Phase 3 programme, which seeks approximately 400 next-generation IFVs and 17 mobility support vehicles at a potential procurement cost of A$27 billion. It is also positioned to compete in the IFV program in the US and Europe.
Hanwha Defense announced on May 29 that the vehicle demonstrated its high-performance mobility in off-road terrain at a media event two days ago to mark the end of the RoKA trial.
The Redback IFV is derived from the company’s successful K21 platform – which is in service with the RoKA – and is designed to meet the operational requirements of the Australian Army. The company is also working with a number of local and international partners to drive Redback’s entry into the Australian program.
For example, the vehicle is equipped with the new T2000 two-person turret developed by Canberra-based EOS Defence, which will be armed with a medium-caliber main gun and anti-tank missiles, and integrates command, control, communications, computers developed in partnership with Israel’s Elbit Systems and Intelligence (C4I) suite. Other features include compound rubber tracks, Iron Vision helmet-mounted display, Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system, as well as in-arm hydropneumatic suspension and Solar Sigma Shield technology.
“The reliability and advanced technology of the Redback IFV has been demonstrated in recent [RoKA] The trial operation of the vehicle is expected to provide a solid foundation for Redback’s international sales and marketing,” said Hyun-ki Cho, Director of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s (DAPA) Mobility Program Division.
DAPA also raised the prospect of obtaining a localized version of Redback, although it would have to be further developed to meet RoKA’s unique operational requirements.
“In China, we are considering buying the Korean version of the Redback to meet the [RoKA’s] Under the Rapid R&D program, operate the concept and be able to provide the technology and performance required for service,” added Brig. Gen. Cho. “Through this approach, the ROK Army will be able to deploy the next generation of infantry fighting vehicles in advance, which will help improve the service. The ability to deploy and maintain the armed forces. “
Hanwha Defense claims it is on track to meet local requirements, planning intensive testing on South Korean terrain from August, which will require driving around 10,000 kilometers on challenging terrain as well as paved and unpaved roads.
by Jr Ng
