Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) has signed an approximately $4 billion contract with the Commonwealth for the delivery of 129 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).
With a down select of HDA as the preferred partner for the Land 400 Phase 3 project announced in July 2023, the program will see all 129 vehicles manufactured in Australia, with vehicle deliveries to begin in 2027 and to have the fleet delivered in full by 2028.
A series of eight prototype vehicles will also be manufactured in both South Korea and Australia as the program develops.
“Hanwha Aerospace is pleased to see the contract for the Redback IFV now in place to deliver this world leading capability,” Mr Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace 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.”
The contract includes the development and delivery of the training system components and support system components through until Final Acceptance in 2029, with an initial support contract in place for the first five years following delivery.
“Less than 6 months after the preferred partner announcement, HDA and Commonwealth have worked hard to deliver a contract that will see this game changing capability delivered to protect Australian soldiers,” Mr Richard Cho, Managing Director of HDA said.
“We will be manufacturing all 129 vehicles at the Hanwha Armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) facility now under construction at Geelong. Bringing back high technology vehicle manufacturing to the region is exciting not just for us but for the potential export base it provides to Australian companies.”
Construction company Built was selected by HDA in October to design and construct the H-ACE facility, which is set to be completed by July 2024.
"Built are proud to be delivering for Hanwha in the Geelong region," said Brett Mason, CEO & Managing Director of Built.
"Having the Deputy Prime Minister and local member Richard Marles attend site today, it was evident of its significance to our nation's defence and security priorities. Being a national, Australian owned contractor we are proud to contribute to such a significant project."