A view of the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), developed by Hanwha Defense.

The ROK Army is scheduled to test-operate the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), developed by Hanwha Defense, next year.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed that a mechanized unit of the ROK Army will test-operate the Redback IFV from April to June in 2022. The trial sessions will include driving tests on paved and unpaved roads, as well as tactical field training.

One of the three RMA vehicles will be handed over to the Army’s mechanized unit following Australian tests and evaluations.

DAPA said the decision was made as part of its efforts to assess the detailed capabilities of up-to-date weapons systems available for overseas sales.

The ROK Army currently operates K21 IFVs with a plan to order more, while the service is seeking to deploy next-generation IFVs meeting its operational requirements in the long-term.

The Redback, built by Hanwha Defense Australia, is a 5th Generation IFV and was designed specifically to meet the demanding requirements of Australia’s Land 400 Phase 3 project, which is an $18 billion to $27 billion program tasked to acquire up to 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles in place of for the Australian Army’s M113 armored personnel carriers.

The Redback was shortlisted in 2019 as one of the final two IFVs for the Land 400 Phase 3. Three Redback vehicles were delivered to the Australian Army earlier this year to undergo Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) trials from February to October. 

The ROK Army’s interest has been aroused by the Redback’s strong progress with systems integration, including recent successful demonstration of the Iron Fist Active Protection System and test firing the SPIKE LR-2 Anti-Tank Guide Missile from a Redback vehicle.

ROK military personnel are expected to see first-hand the performance of Iron Vision and the composite rubber track used on the Redback.

Iron Vision effectively allows the crew to see through the vehicle’s armor by projecting the image outside the vehicle onto their helmet-mounted displays.

Redback’s rubber tracks reduce noise and vibration while offering superior ride quality for its crews and the soldiers it protects.

Hanwha Defense has ambitions for IFV programs outside Australia and is actively pursuing opportunities in the United States and Europe.

K-9 self-propelled artery, developed by Hanwha Defense, is displayed during the Land Forces 2021, which took place in Brisbane, Australia, from June 1 to June 3. (Photos: Hanwha Defense)

Hanwha Defense Participates in Land Forces 2021

Hanwha Defense participated in Land Forces 2021, which took place in Brisbane, Australia from June 1 to June 3.
The company demonstrated its technology prowess by display exhibits such as K-9 self-propelled artery and Redback IFV.

Land Forces 2021, which made its debut in 2014, was the fourth rendition this year. More than 700 defense industry companies across the world participated in the exhibition.