{"id":2201849,"date":"2023-07-31T17:00:40","date_gmt":"2023-07-31T08:00:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2201849"},"modified":"2023-07-31T16:00:22","modified_gmt":"2023-07-31T07:00:22","slug":"successful-redback-delivery-poses-risk-and-reward-for-koreas-defense-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/07\/successful-redback-delivery-poses-risk-and-reward-for-koreas-defense-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Successful Redback delivery poses risk and reward for Korea\u2019s defense industry"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Australian government announced on Thursday that it had awarded Hanwha Defense Australia a contract to produce 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The <\/span>announcement<\/span><\/a> comes after Hanwha\u2019s <\/span>statement<\/span><\/a> that its Australian subsidiary had become the favored bidder for the Australian Army\u2019s next-generation IFV and a wave of reports in the Australian press.<\/span><\/p>\n

The LAND 400 Phase 3 initiative, representing one of the largest capability acquisitions in the Australian Army\u2019s history, is projected to replace the M113 armored personnel carriers that have been in operation since 1964. The Canberra government has placed the total lifecycle cost of this replacement process at an estimated $4.65 billion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thursday\u2019s contract announcement ends uncertainty surrounding the assembly site of the Redback, which will be constructed at Hanwha\u2019s Armored Vehicle Center of Excellence. The facility, currently being erected in Geelong, Victoria, puts to rest speculation about potential assembly in South Korea as a cost-saving measure, particularly following the project\u2019s reduction from 450 to 129 IFVs.<\/span><\/p>\n

This center will also assemble 30 AS9 Huntsman units, a variant of South Korea\u2019s K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, which the Australian Army selected in Dec. 2021.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Redback\u2019s success in securing export orders is particularly notable. It\u2019s the first Korean defense product explicitly designed for the export market, setting it apart from previous exports of Korean military systems such as the K9, K2 Black Panther main battle tank, T-50 trainer jet and FA-50 light attack jet, all of which were variants of systems already deployed by the Korean military.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

South Korean defense minister Lee Jong-sup meets with Australian defense minister Richard Marles, August 4, 2022 | Image: ROK Ministry of National Defense via Facebook<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

THE REDBACK<\/b><\/p>\n

Proposed to the Australian government in <\/span>2018<\/span><\/a>, the Redback stands among the world\u2019s most advanced IFVs. It incorporates technologies initially developed for the <\/span>K21 IFV<\/span><\/a> utilized by the Korean Army, marking a notable step toward \u201cnext-generation\u201d IFV design.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Redback, as presented to the Australian Army, is designed to accommodate a crew of three, with additional capacity for up to eight personnel in its passenger compartment. It features STANAG 4569 Level 6 protection, enabling its front armor to withstand 30 mm cannon fire from a distance of 547 yards (500 meters).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Redback benefits from the <\/span>Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system<\/span><\/a> developed by Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems. This system affords the vehicle added defense against rockets and anti-tank guided missiles. Moreover, the Redback is equipped with Elbit\u2019s <\/span>IronVision augmented reality system<\/span><\/a>, which utilizes a network of external cameras to provide occupants with a virtually transparent view \u201cthrough\u201d the IFV\u2019s armor.<\/span><\/p>\n

A specialized variant of Elbit\u2019s <\/span>MT30 Mk2 turret<\/span><\/a> is integrated into the Australian Redback. The vehicle\u2019s turret sensors and fire control systems are supplied by Electro Optic Systems (EOS), an Australian firm. The turret comes equipped with a <\/span>Mk44S Bushmaster II 30 mm cannon<\/span><\/a>, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and launchers for two <\/span>Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles<\/span><\/a>. An EOS remote weapon station provides options for an additional 7.62 general-purpose machine gun, a .50 caliber heavy machine gun, or an automatic grenade launcher.<\/span><\/p>\n

Powering the 42-ton IFV is a 1000-horsepower Motoren-und Turbinen-Union diesel engine, capable of propelling the vehicle to top speeds of 40 miles (65 kilometers) per hour and ranges exceeding 373 miles (600 kilometers). The Redback further features an advanced in-arm independent suspension system and <\/span>Soucy\u2019s continuous rubber tracks<\/span><\/a>, contributing to enhanced handling and comfort for the crew and passengers.<\/span><\/p>\n

SUBSTANTIAL RISK<\/b><\/p>\n

Thursday\u2019s official announcement accelerates the pace of LAND 400 Phase 3. Delivery of the first batch of Redback IFVs is now scheduled for 2027, with completion of all 129 units set for 2029, two years ahead of the original commencement date in 2029 before the project\u2019s rescoping.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the expedited timeline also amplifies the risk of missing target dates, given there are no ROK Army specification Redbacks ready for delivery, in contrast to the \u201c<\/span>gap filler<\/span><\/a>\u201d K2s, K9s and FA-50s delivered to Poland.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another risk to the long-term viability of the Australian deal arises from <\/span>constraints<\/span><\/a> placed on potential follow-on orders by Canberra\u2019s commitments to nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement.<\/span><\/p>\n

There were rumors ahead of Australia\u2019s <\/span>Defense Strategic Review<\/span><\/a> that the LAND 400 Phase 3 would be reduced to 300 vehicles with \u201c<\/span>bridging budgets<\/span><\/a>\u201d of 50, aimed at reaching the original target of 450. The significant reduction following the review\u2019s new focus on long-range missiles and nuclear-powered submarines underscores the substantial influence of the nuclear-powered submarine program on Australian military procurement in the years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

These factors pose substantial risks for the Geelong Armored Vehicle Center of Excellence, which is slated for completion in April 2024, per its 24-month <\/span>construction schedule<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Australia\u2019s Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy <\/span>announced<\/span><\/a> on Thursday that the selection of the Redback would generate 600 direct jobs and over a thousand in the supply chain for the IFVs, the diminished size of the order and the review\u2019s decision to abandon the acquisition of a second regiment of 30 AS9 Huntsmans, raise questions about the long-term sustainability of these jobs without the realization of follow-on orders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

South Korean defense minister Lee Jong-sup meets with Indonesian defense minister Prabowo Subianto, Nov. 24, 2022 | Image: ROK Ministry of National Defense via Facebook<\/a><\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

SUBSTANTIAL REWARD<\/b><\/p>\n

However, the success in adhering to the contract\u2019s accelerated timeline would serve as a testament to Hanwha\u2019s capacity to swiftly deliver high-end products. In a scenario where Korean-specification vehicles aren\u2019t available as a \u201cgap filler,\u201d such success would further validate Hanwha and the broader Korean defense industry\u2019s ability to fulfill demanding orders within a tight time frame.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Redback\u2019s extensive integration of Australian systems and materials, such as <\/span>Bisalloy steel<\/span><\/a>, highlights the Korean defense industry\u2019s proficiency in incorporating local partners and expertise into export projects. Beyond enhancing the appeal of South Korean offerings, these successful partnerships diversify the range of expertise available for future defense projects aimed at domestic use and exports.<\/span><\/p>\n

Achieving success in Australia would also significantly elevate the Redback\u2019s reputation on the global stage. Apart from LAND 400 Phase 3, the Redback has been proposed for the <\/span>Polish Land Forces<\/span><\/a>. Further, a Redback variant, jointly developed by Hanwha, Oshkosh and Elbit, was submitted for consideration in the U.S. Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program, which seeks to replace the M2 Bradley.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Redback was not chosen for the next OMFV phase, while a <\/span>variant of the Rheinmetall Lynx<\/span><\/a>, which it bested in Australia, is now among the two remaining OMFV bidders. Fulfilling the Australian order punctually and within budget could bolster the Redback\u2019s attractiveness to other potential clients, significantly enhancing its competitive positioning.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edited by John Lee<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Business & Economy<\/span><\/a>Defense & Security<\/span><\/a>Inter-Korean & Foreign Relations<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Australian government announced on Thursday that it had awarded Hanwha Defense Australia a contract to produce 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The announcement comes after Hanwha\u2019s statement that its Australian subsidiary had become the favored bidder for the Australian Army\u2019s next-generation IFV and a wave of reports in the Australian press. The LAND […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10407,"featured_media":2201850,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[24,26,28],"yoast_head":"\nSuccessful Redback delivery poses risk and reward for Korea\u2019s defense industry - KOREA PRO<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/07\/successful-redback-delivery-poses-risk-and-reward-for-koreas-defense-industry\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Successful Redback delivery poses risk and reward for Korea\u2019s defense industry - KOREA PRO\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Australian government announced on Thursday that it had awarded Hanwha Defense Australia a contract to produce 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). 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