The Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), an Armored Fighting Vehicle developed by Hanwha Defense, has demonstrated its outstanding performance during a media invitation event, according to the company, held on May 27 at the premises of the Republic of Korea Army (ROK).

According to the manufacturer, the event took place at the end of the Republic of Korean Army’s six-week-long trial of the next-generation IFV. The ROK Army trial followed the Redback’s successful tests and evaluations last year under the LAND 400 Phase 3 project aimed at acquiring about 400 next-generation IFVs from the Australian Armed Forces. It is recalled that Redback competes against the German Rheinmetall Lynx KF41 Armored Fighting Vehicle in this competition.

Also read: Rheinmetall Lynx KF41 | The first of three Lynx for Australia is unveiled – VIDEO

During the media event, the tracked armored vehicle impressed the audience by showcasing its off-road maneuverability through an obstacle course, including a ramp and a muddy puddle of water. The vehicle also performed pivot steering, turret rotation, and troop dismounting. 

“Domestically, we consider acquiring a Korean version of the Redback meeting the ROK Army’s operational concept and capable of featuring technology and performance required by the service, under a fast-track research and development program,” Cho added. “With this approach, the ROK Army will be able to deploy next-generation IFVs earlier than scheduled, which will contribute to improving the service’s capability to deploy and sustain armed forces.”

The fast-track R&D program is aimed at procuring weapon systems equipped with the latest technologies after verifying the military utilization of the systems concerned. With this rapid R&D program, the military is able to shorten the period of introducing state-of-the-art weapon systems to a satisfactory degree.

Responding to the requirements and parameters of the ROK Army, Hanwha Defense is scheduled to conduct the durability testing on the Redback’s maneuverability on

the Korean terrain in August this year. The testing is to cover around 10,000 kilometers of driving on rough terrain as well as on paved and unpaved roads.

“The Redback demonstrated its overwhelming performance during the final tests and evaluations in Australia and the latest trial run of the Redback for the ROK Army proved the vehicle’s all terrain capabilities and reliability,” said Lee Boo-hwan, Vice President of Hanwha Defense’s Overseas Department.

Also read: Australia | Hanwha Defense-led team launches AS21 Redback IFV – VIDEO