Redback is a new infantry fighting vehicle of South Korea that was developed by Hanwha Defense. The vehicle was built specially to cover the needs of the Australian Army. The vehicle was firstly revealed in 2021 and aims to replace the M113AS4 of the Australian Army. However, it competes with the German Lynx, a vehicle which we have covered in a relevant article. If Redback won, the vehicle will be produced in Australia at 450 units. In 2022 the first prototypes will be tested by the S. Korean army.
Redback is an advanced vehicle with powerful armor. The IFV is probably one of the most highly protected of its kind, as it weights the impressive amount of 42t.
Its armor was developed with the help of Plasan and can withstand 30mm ammunition.
The tracked vehicle was designed to survive mine and other expositions under its hull, equivalent to 10kg of TNT.
Another exceptional feature of the IFV, is the fact that it has the Israeli active protection system Iron Fish. The system provides effective protection against anti-tank missiles and rockets.
In terms of armament, the vehicle features a two men turret. The turret includes an automatic 30mm Mk44S Bushmaster II machine gun that can be upgraded to a 40mm version. This upgrade can be done with only three extra parts.
There is also a 7,62mm machine gun and an extra weapon station that can take either a 7,62mm machine gun or a 40mm automatic grenade launcher. There is also a special launcher in the turret that fires the excellent Spike LR2 anti-tank guided missiles.
The vehicle has a crew of 3 and enough space for 8 more passengers.
In the papers, Redback has advanced systems and impressive features. The only thing left is to prove itself in trials and show us the world its real performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ8tOpz0W-o