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Hanwha Inaugurates Redback Combat Vehicle Factory in Australia

Hanwha Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle delivered to Defence to support Test and Evaluation activities conducted as part of the LAND 400 Phase 3 Risk Mitigation Activity. Picture taken at the Australian Automotive Research Centre, Anglesea, Victoria, prior to delivery to Defence. *** Local Caption *** The LAND 400 Phase 3 – Land Combat Vehicle System (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) project is scoped to deliver and support up to 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles and a Manoeuvre Support Vehicle capability. The shortlisted tenderers, Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia, have each delivered three prototype test and evaluation vehicles as part of the two-year Risk Mitigation Activity. The Risk Mitigation Activity will include detailed testing and evaluation of the tendered vehicles and will provide Defence with the objective quality evidence to inform a Government decision in 2022.Hanwha Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle delivered to Defence to support Test and Evaluation activities conducted as part of the LAND 400 Phase 3 Risk Mitigation Activity. Picture taken at the Australian Automotive Research Centre, Anglesea, Victoria, prior to delivery to Defence. *** Local Caption *** The LAND 400 Phase 3 – Land Combat Vehicle System (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) project is scoped to deliver and support up to 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles and a Manoeuvre Support Vehicle capability. The shortlisted tenderers, Hanwha Defense Australia and Rheinmetall Defence Australia, have each delivered three prototype test and evaluation vehicles as part of the two-year Risk Mitigation Activity. The Risk Mitigation Activity will include detailed testing and evaluation of the tendered vehicles and will provide Defence with the objective quality evidence to inform a Government decision in 2022.

Hanwha Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Photo: Australian Department of Defence

Hanwha has launched a new production facility in Geelong, Victoria, to support the Australian Army’s Redback infantry fighting vehicle program.

Developed in partnership with Sydney-based construction firm Built, the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) will house capabilities that will produce 129 Redbacks ordered by Canberra in December 2023.

The center incorporates multiple assembly lines, a research and development office, a 1,200-meter (3,937-foot) test track, a deep-water test area, and an obstacle course.

Alongside the $2.4-billion Redback fleet, the center will also support the manufacturing of Huntsman AS9 self-propelled howitzers and K10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles that are set to complement the infantry systems.

“The acquisition of armoured vehicles is part of the Government’s modernisation of the Australian Army to ensure it can respond to our challenging strategic circumstances,” Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy stated.

“Building armoured vehicles locally will support … Australia’s strategic imperative to develop sovereign defence manufacturing capabilities. This is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to keeping Australians safe while also supporting a future made in Australia.”

‘State of the Art’ Center

The H-ACE construction, first revealed in April 2023, generated approximately 100 jobs in the region throughout its initial phase.

Following its opening, the site is expected to support 2,100 jobs, including 1,800 direct opportunities throughout the Redback production.

Hanwha Defence Australia REDBACK Infantry Fighting Vehicle at Russell Offices, Canberra.Hanwha Defence Australia REDBACK Infantry Fighting Vehicle at Russell Offices, Canberra.
Hanwha Defence Australia REDBACK Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Photo: Andrew Green/Australian Department of Defence

“This is the state of the art facility right here in Geelong, providing well paid, secure jobs, all the while manufacturing key capabilities for Australia’s Army,” Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles commented.

“The Republic of Korea is an important partner to Australia, and today’s opening of the H-ACE reflects the strong government and industry collaboration between our two countries.”

Australian Redback Vehicle

The Australian Army’s upcoming Redback combat vehicle will be based on South Korea’s 25.6-ton K21 system.

The new vehicle will run with an MTU America engine and Allison transmission for a range of 525 kilometers (326 miles) and a maximum speed of 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour.

Upon their expected completion in 2028, the Redbacks will gradually replace the army’s aging M113 Armored Personnel Carriers.

Tags AustraliaAustralian ArmyHanwhaHanwha Defense Australialand vehiclesmilitary vehiclesRedback infantry fighting vehiclevehicles
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