Hanwha lands $2.4 billion infantry vehicle order from Australia

Hanwha Aerospace's Redback infantry fighting vehicle [HANWHA AEROSPACE]

Hanwha Aerospace's Australian subsidiary inked a 3.1 trillion won ($2.4 billion) agreement on Friday, sealing the sale of 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles to Australia, as confirmed by Korea's arms procurement agency.

Hanwha Defense Australia signed the contract with Australia's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, the country's arms procurement agency, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said.

The subsidiary of the Korean defense firm was selected as the preferred bidder in July for the Land 400 Phase 3 program, which aims to replace the Australian Army's M113 armored personnel carriers.

The new vehicles will be manufactured in Avalon, Greater Geelong, with fleet deliveries scheduled to take place from 2027 to 2028, Hanwha Aerospace said.

The deal marks Hanwha's second ground-based military equipment export to Australia after clinching a deal to supply the country with K9 self-propelled howitzers in December 2021, according to DAPA.

BY SEO JI-EUN, YONHAP [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]