The multibillion-dollar Land 400 Phase 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) program with the Redback IFV has seen Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) down-selected as the preferred tenderer, according to the Albanese government. Final government approval will be sought at the end of contract negotiations.
Mr. Richard Cho, Managing Director of HDA, stated, “We are excited for the next phase of this program that will see HDA and Australian industry deliver a world class IFV to the Australian Army.”
“I would like to express my gratitude to our industry partners for their support during the difficult times that COVID presented to us, as well as in the aftermath as we prepared our successful response to the Commonwealth through the Risk Mitigation Activity.”
“An exciting milestone for soldiers, who will now have an IFV built especially for them, the selection of the Redback for the Australian Army also strengthens the closer ties between Australia and the Republic of Korea.”
Mr. Son Jaeil, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, the parent company of HDA, stated that “Hanwha’s selection as preferred tenderer for the Land 400 Phase 3 project has major implications for Korea-Australia defence and economic cooperation.”
“Australian defence capabilities will be revolutionized by the production of the first fifth generation IFV in history. Alongside LAND 8116 Phase 1, we are excited to be a true partner with Australia for this endeavour.
This facility will grow to support Redback in Australia as well as any future overseas programs. It is being constructed for the Land 8116 Protected Mobile Fires Program, which will use it to deliver the Huntsman AS9 self-propelled howitzer and AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicles. With these systems, the facility will grow to provide the ADF with a capability that leads the globe. Not only will HDA benefit from this, but its national supply network of Australian industrial partners will also generate hundreds of jobs.
