Hanwha Defense's Redback armored vehicle debuts in Europe

Hanwha Defense's Redback infantry fighting vehicle on display at the Eurosatory defense and security trade show at Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. Courtesy of Hanwha Defense

By Kang Seung-woo

Hanwha Defense is showcasing a range of advanced military hardware, including combat vehicles, artillery systems and air-defense weapons at the Eurosatory defense and security trade show at Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Paris until Friday (local time).

The Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is being displayed for the first time in the European market, highlighting its next-generation capabilities to meet the needs of European customers looking for advanced combat vehicles offering enhanced maneuverability and protection.

The Redback was shortlisted in 2019 as one of the two final bidders for Australia's LAND 400 Phase 3 program. Last year, the futuristic combat vehicle successfully completed the final tests and evaluations conducted by the Australian Defense Force to prove its lethality, maneuverability and survivability, followed by the Korean Army's test trials in recent months.

In Europe, the Redback has drawn keen attention in the wake of the ongoing conflict in some parts of the region as many European armed forces are seeking to acquire combat vehicles fitted with state-of-the-art armored protection capabilities against anti-tank weapons, and all-terrain maneuverability.

The Redback employs several innovative protection and situation awareness technologies, such as the Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system, the Iron Vision "see-through" helmet-mounted display, and the Solar Sigma Shield adversary detection and engagement systems. The Composite Rubber Track is one of the new-generation technologies adopted by the Redback to reduce noise and vibration substantially while offering superior ride quality for its crew.

"The Redback proved its lethality, maneuverability and survivability during the Australian Risk Mitigation Activity in Australia, and following test trials in Korea," said Billy Lee, executive vice president of Overseas Business Division at Hanwha Defense.

"With the growing requirements for advanced IFVs with enhanced protection and mobility, Redback's competitiveness in the global market will increase further."

The Redback is not the only weapon that Hanwha Defense is showing off.

K9A2 SPH

Hanwha Defense has unveiled the design of the K9A2 155-millimeter, 52-caliber self-propelled howitzer for the British Army during Eurosatory 2022.

The K9A2 is the newest version of the K9 Thunder, which has been adopted by nine countries around the world. The K9A2 is designed to feature a fully-automatic ammunition handling system, an increased rate of fire of nine to 10 rounds per minute, composite rubber tracks, and a remote-controlled weapon station.

Hanwha Defense is leading "Team Thunder" to bid for the Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) program from the U.K. Ministry of Defense. Team Thunder aims to locally manufacture the K9A2 through the U.K. supply chain. The team includes Lockheed Martin U.K., Pearson Engineering, Horstman Defence Systems, Leonardo and Soucy Defense of the Soucy Group.

"Unlike wheeled vehicles, the K9 tracked artillery is capable of operating more effectively in difficult terrain, including off-road, deserts, snow, and other challenging environments," said Sun Wi, director of Overseas Business Division at Hanwha Defense. "The K9A2 features unrivalled firepower, mobility, operational survivability, weight and power growth margins, to meet the capability needs of modern artillery into the future."

About 1,700 units of the K9 system are in service with nine countries, including NATO members such as Poland, Norway, Finland and Estonia. Australia and Egypt have also placed significant orders.

K21 IFV

The K21 is an advanced infantry fighting vehicle with a high level of lethality, mobility and operability. The amphibious combat vehicle is equipped with a 40-millimeter cannon and 7.62-millimeter coaxial machine gun, as well as anti-tank guided missiles.

The K21 has an excellent cross-country maneuverability with an in-arm suspension unit. It has an advanced battlefield management system for synergy effects with all of the friendly combat forces by sharing real-time battlefield information.

Tigon

The Tigon is an advanced armored wheeled vehicle developed in 2018, one of the latest armored wheeled vehicles in the world. Having two variants of 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles, it can carry out various tactical missions, taking advantage of all-round armor protection and flexible armament application.

The Tigon participated in several trials in different countries, showcasing its outstanding combat and reconnaissance capability. Its maximum speed on the road is 100 kilometers per hour and eight kilometers per hour in water as an option. Combat weight is 21 tons with a capacity of carrying 11 crew.

BIHO-II

BIHO-II is a next-generation wheeled air defense system air defense system capable of thwarting all types of aerial threats. The vehicle features high maneuverability and excellent reaction time, improving the survivability for allied troops as well as enhancing air defense for major facilities.