Australia buys 129 South Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicles in $2.4B Deal

Australia has awarded Hanwha Defence Australia a $2.4 billion contract to deliver and support 129 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV).

Representing the single largest investment in Australian Army capabilities to date, the contract also includes training and support system components.

All 129 of the IFVs will be manufactured in Australia, with deliveries running from 2027 to 2028.

In a press release, the Hanwha Aerospace subsidiary called the contract a “historic milestone” that represents the first time a South Korean defense company successfully developed defense solutions for Australia’s Army.

“Hanwha Aerospace is pleased to see the contract for the Redback IFV now in place to deliver this world leading capability,” Hanwha Aerospace President and CEO Jae-il Son said.

“The order represents a further strengthening of the Hanwha presence in Australia next to the AS9 and AS10 Huntsman vehicles under LAND 8116 for the Australian Defence Force. The ties between Australia and South Korea are growing rapidly and we are excited to be part of that growing relationship.”

Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle

The Redback Infantry Fighting vehicle sits atop rubber tracks to minimize noise and vibration, offering superior ride quality.

The platform is equipped with high-tech situational awareness systems typically outfitted on jet fighters, giving infantry soldiers a protective edge on the battlefield

Its advanced layered protection system — including the most advanced armor and an active protection system — provides superior blast protection.

Locally Built

Hanwha Defence Australia will manufacture the Australian Redback IFVs at its Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence, slated to open in Victoria in the third quarter of 2024.

The plant will be built as part of the Land 8116 Phase 1 Protected Mobile Fires Program to manufacture Huntsman AS9 self-propelled howitzers and AS10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles.

It will be expanded for the Redback in Australia program.