KADEX 2024: Hanwha displays Redback-K offering for RoK Army

Hanwha is positioning its Redback-K for a Republic of Korea Army requirement for next-generation infantry fighting vehicles. (Andrew White)

Hanwha Aerospace unveiled the latest designs of its growing family of tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles at the inaugural Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) 2024, which concludes 6 October.

The South Korean defence firm displayed for the first time a scale model of its new tracked Redback-K infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), which is being designed to meet the Republic of Korea Army's (RoKA's) requirement for a next-generation IFV to replace the in-service K21.

According to a Hanwha official, the Redback-K will resemble an upgraded variant of the original Redback IFV selected by the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

In July 2023 the ADF announced it would be receiving 129 Redback IFVs as part of the Land 400 Phase 3 project to replace M113 armoured personnel carriers (APCs). The ADF's selection includes integration of Elbit's UT30MK2 uncrewed turret as well as the Israeli company's Iron Fist active protection system (APS).

Speaking to Janes , the Hanwha official said the Redback-K variant would feature a variety of upgrades to the same uncrewed turret. These include a newly designed 40 mm CTA (cased telescoped ammunition) cannon by SNT with ammunition manufactured by Poongsan, as well as a new APS that is being designed by Hanwha.

Additional upgrades include a locally manufactured engine by STX featuring the same 1,000 hp as the Redback's MTU eight-cylinder diesel engine.