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| A Redback infantry fighting vehicle showcases its off-road maneuverability during a media invitation event in Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province, Friday. Courtesy of Kookbang Ilbo |
Korean-made infantry fighting vehicle draws interest from US, Europe
By Kang Seung-woo
HONGCHEON, Gangwon Province ― The Redback infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), developed by Hanwha Defense, showcased its high-performance maneuverability during a media invitation event, Friday, saying that it would be a great addition to the Korean Army as well as the Australian military as its next-generation IFV.
The Redback is one of the two final candidates for the Australian Army's LAND 400 Phase 3 project, via which, it will purchase some 400 IFVs.
In response, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) was positive about procuring a Korean version of the Redback that meets its operational requirements.
The event took place at the end of the Korean Army's six-week-long trial of the next-generation IFV. The trial followed the Redback's successful performance in tests and evaluations last year under the Australian Risk Mitigation Activity, so as to select the preferred bidder for its IFV program.
During the event at a Korean Army unit, the tracked armored vehicle impressed the audience by demonstrating its off-road maneuverability through an obstacle course, including a ramp and a muddy puddle of water. The vehicle also performed its pivot steer, turret rotation and troop dismounting.
"The reliability and sophisticated technology of the Redback IFV has been proved during the latest Korean Army trial run of the vehicle, which is expected to be a strong basis for the Redback's international sales and marketing," said Army Brig. Gen. Cho Hyun-ki, head of the DAPA's Maneuver Program Department.
Cho said it was considering acquiring a Korean version of the Redback meeting the Army's operational concept and capable of featuring technology and performance required by the service, under a fast-track research and development program.
"With this approach, the Korean Army will be able to deploy next-generation IFVs earlier than scheduled, which will contribute to improving the service's capability to deploy and sustain armed forces," Cho added.
The fast-track R&D program is aimed at procuring weapons systems equipped with the latest technologies after verifying the military utilization of the systems concerned. With this rapid R&D program, the military will be able to shorten the period needed to introduce state-of-the-art weapons systems to an extent.
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| A Redback infantry fighting vehicle showcases its off-road maneuverability during a media invitation event in Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province, Friday. Courtesy of Kookbang Ilbo |
Taking advantage of the core technologies of the K21 infantry fighting vehicle, the Redback was developed to meet the operational requirements of the Australian Defense Force.
The tracked vehicle features several innovative technologies such as the composite rubber track; the Iron Vision see-through helmet mounted display, the Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system, the In-arm type hydro-pneumatic suspension unit, the off board Health and Usage Management System and Solar Sigma Shield technology.
The Redback is also drawing attention, outside Australia, from the U.S. and European markets. The Oshkosh Defense Consortium, including Hanwha Defense USA, is trying to leverage the proven capability of the Redback for the U.S. Army's Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) design effort. Several European nations have also shown interest in the Redback for their IFV acquisition programs.
"The Redback demonstrated its overwhelming performance during the final tests and evaluations in Australia, and the latest trial run of the Redback for the Korean Army proved the vehicle's all terrain capabilities and reliability," said Lee Boo-hwan, vice president of Hanwha Defense's Overseas Department.
"We will actively promote the Redback in the U.S. and European region to compete in the global IFV market," Lee said.
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