South Korea’s Hanwha Defense has signed an agreement with Australian steel manufacturer Bisalloy Steels to build armored vehicles for global export.
As part of a memorandum of understanding, Hanwha will partner with the Australian firm to modify its signature land defense platforms, including the Redback infantry fighting vehicle and the K9 self-propelled howitzer.
The companies will conduct a joint technical analysis to integrate Bisalloy steel into the Redback and K9 projects to target international markets, especially Europe.
Bisalloy Steels managing director Michael Gundy remarked that the company is looking forward to expanding their partnership in the defense sector.
“Bisalloy Steels’ capability has been proven over its 40-years of history, and through working together we believe we will contribute to Hanwha’s product portfolio and its international business,” he said.
‘A Crucial Component’
In March 2021, Bisalloy revealed that it had been working with the South Korean firm to achieve a significant milestone for the Australian defense industry by integrating its cutting-edge steel in all Hanwha Redback vehicles.
The steel manufacturer said that it had been part of the entire process – design, qualification, and testing.
Hanwha explained that armored steel is “a crucial component” of army strength and that the company will continue to explore ways to use Bisalloy steel for the Redback combat vehicle and K9 howitzer.
“Hanwha and Bisalloy have worked hand-in-glove to make sure that the class leading Redback infantry fighting vehicle is made from the best possible steel,” Hanwha Defense Australia managing director Richard Cho said last year.
For initial application, the company revealed that it would review ways to utilize the Australian steel in its recent $1.6 billion K9 howitzer contract with the Egyptian Ministry of Defense.
