The AS21 Redback is an advanced infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) proposed by the South Korean company Hanwha Defense for the Australian Army.
The IFV will provide superior mobility and complete protection against ballistic, mine and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
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The Redback IFV is an advanced version of the K21 IFV, which is in service with the South Korean Army.
The prototype vehicle was unveiled at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition 2019 held at Seoul Airbase in South Korea, in October 2019.
With its next-generation armour, cannon and missiles, the Redback IFV vehicles are expected to offer mobility and firepower while protecting and transporting soldiers in close combat.
The Redback IFV will be manufactured at the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence facility in Geelong, with first deliveries to commence in 2027.
AS21 Redback development details
The AS21 Redback is being developed as part of the Australian Army’s LAND 400 Phase 3 IFV programme aimed at replacing the M113 armoured personnel carrier introduced in 1964.
The LAND 400 Phase 3, also known as the Mounted Close Combat Capability requirement, is a A$15bn ($10.3bn) Australian Department of Defence (DoD) project to acquire 450 IFVs and 17 manoeuvre support vehicles for the Australian Army.
Rheinmetall Defence’s Lynx KF41 IFV and Redback IFV were selected for the programme in September 2019.
The DoD signed contracts worth A$50m with Hanwha and Rheinmetall for the Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) phase of the LAND 400 Phase 3 programme in October 2019. The RMA trials included a range of tests to evaluate lethality, blast and ballistics, transportability and mobility of the vehicles.
The programme progressed to the procurement process, which included the final evaluation. Hanwha Defence delivered the first two Redback IFV prototypes to the Australian Army for testing in July 2020. The third prototype was shipped in December 2020.
In March 2021, the Australian Army received three Redback IFV prototypes, of which two were used for evaluations and the remaining were used for blast testing. In August of the same year, both the Redback IFV and Rheinmetall’s KF-41 Lynx were tested for their firepower capabilities.
AS21 Redback IFV design and features
The AS21 Redback IFV measures 8.8m (28.87ft) in length, 3.6m in width and stands 3.8m high. It can reach a maximum road speed of 70km/h.
The Redback IFV is designed to provide improved protection and high mobility while providing superior crew comfort. It will be integrated with a proven digital battle management system.
The in-arm type hydro-pneumatic suspension unit will help in reducing the overall weight of the vehicle when compared to the traditional IFV design.
The armoured vehicle will be manned by three crew members – driver, commander and gunner – while its rear compartment will be capable of accommodating six dismounted troops.
The vehicle will offer armour protection options from STANAG Levels 2–6 and will be equipped with an advanced active protection system (APS) that can defend incoming line-of-sight guided anti-tank missiles/projectiles. The Iron Fist APS equipped with integrated radars and electro-optics will enable the Redback to detect, classify and counter several threats.
Armament of the AS21 Redback
The Redback turret brings together state-of-the-art sensors, weapons and active protection systems, all incorporated from the outset.
Redback’s primary weapon is Northrop Grumman’s Mk44S Bushmaster II 30mm cannon, which can fire the full range of 30mm x 173mm ammunition used by 19 nations, including the US and the UK, as well as other allied forces.
In addition, Redback is equipped with a co-axially mounted 7.62mm machine gun and a remote weapons station that can be configured with a variety of systems such as a5.56mm light support weapon (F89), a .50 calibre machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
The Iron Fist active protection system was proven during successful trials in late 2020, while SPIKE LR2 missiles were later launched successfully from a Redback vehicle in 2021.
Engine and mobility of the AS21 Redback
The IFV will be powered by an MTU eight-cylinder diesel engine, which generates a power output of 1,000hp.
The power pack will enable the vehicle to run at a maximum speed of more than 65km/h and attain a maximum range of 520km.
The Redback IFV will use composite rubber tracks and related engineering to lower noise and vibration, and improve ride comfort for the crew and the troops it carries. By cutting vibration, the design also helps safeguard mission critical systems and can extend their service life.
Contractors involved
Hanwha Defence Australia partnered with Australian space and defence company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) to bid for the Land 400 Phase 3 programme.
Hanwha collaborated with Shoal Group to finalise the design of the AS21 Redback IFV to meet the Australian Army’s requirements and develop logistics and training system concepts. The Shoal-led team includes more than 30 Australian experts.
Soucy Defence was contracted by Hanwha Defence for the supply of CRT systems for the Redback IFV.
Elbit Land Systems, a defence electronics company based in Israel, supplies the Iron Fist APS, while Rafael Advanced Defense Systems provides the Spike missile for the IFV.
In February 2024, Elbit secured a $600m (NIS1.75bn) contract from Hanwha to supply an advanced protection, fighting capabilities and sensors suite.
Northrop Grumman secured a contract from Hanwha for the supply of Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster Chain Guns (Mk44S) to be integrated with the IFV in June 2024. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026.
In October 2024, Thomas Global Systems secured a multi-year contract to provide advanced Trainers IFV-Ts immersive training systems for the AS21 Redback IFV.
In October 2025, Australian space and defence company EOS was awarded a A$108m contract to deliver an upgraded R400 RWS, tailored to Australian Army operational needs and fully integrated with the AS21 Redback IFV.
Corvus Technology Solutions, an Australian advanced manufacturing company, was awarded a contract to produce close to 2,000 vehicle suspension units for the Redback IFV.
Other contractors in the Redback team include Bisalloy Steels, ECLIPS Logistics, Milspec Manufacturing, Penske Australia and Elphinstone, as well as Plasan and CBG Systems.
Orders and deliveries
Hanwha Defence Australia signed a contract worth A$4bn with the Commonwealth of Australia in December 2023 to supply 129 Redback IFVs.
Under the programme, all 129 vehicles will be built in Australia. Deliveries are scheduled to start in 2027, with the full fleet expected by 2028. As the project progresses, eight prototype vehicles will also be produced across South Korea and Australia.
The agreement includes training, spares and sustainment through to final acceptance in 2029, with an initial five-year support arrangement in place.
