'Redback' to be First Tested by Our Military

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Hanwha Defense's future tracked armored vehicle, RedBack, has finalized its plan for trial operation by the Republic of Korea Army.

Hanwha Defense announced on the 18th that one RedBack unit, returning after testing and evaluation in Australia, will begin trial operation in the 11th Division's Armored Reconnaissance Battalion between April and May.

RedBack is a 5th-generation infantry fighting vehicle developed by Hanwha Defense in collaboration with global defense companies from Israel, Australia, and Canada.

In January last year, three prototypes were delivered to the Australian Army for the final test evaluation of their next-generation armored vehicle acquisition project and underwent local testing. Among them, one unit successfully completed the evaluation and returned to Korea, where it will be loaned free of charge to the Army as part of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's 'Trial Operation of Export Weapon Systems' initiative.

RedBack features world-class special armor design and reinforced structure. The vehicle is equipped with an 'In-arm Suspension Unit' that actively absorbs shocks depending on ground conditions, enhancing driving performance and mobility.

Additionally, it uses composite material rubber tracks that significantly reduce vibration, noise, and maintenance demands during operation. The vehicle's lightweight design also saves about 30% in fuel consumption.

It is also notable for being equipped with cutting-edge sensors used in fighter jets. Inside the vehicle, soldiers can wear special goggles to monitor all directions around the tank with 'Iron Vision,' a 360-degree external surveillance system. The vehicle also features the 'Iron Fist' active protection system, which uses an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar to detect and intercept anti-tank missiles approaching the armored vehicle in advance.

RedBack is expected to be equipped with a 'hybrid turret' capable of firing anti-tank missiles. Its main armaments include a 30mm main gun and a 7.62mm machine gun.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.