Elbit Systems receives USD600 million contract for Australian Redback …

The Redback IFV (pictured above) weighs 42 tonnes and has a length, a width, and a height of 7.9 m, 3.64 m, and 3.75 m respectively. It has a maximum onroad speed of 65 km/h with a seating capacity for a crew of three and up to eight troops. (Hanwha Aerospace)

Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) has awarded a contract worth USD600 million to Israel-based military technology company Elbit Systems to supply protection and fighting capabilities and sensors for Australian Redback infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), Elbit Systems said in a press release on 26 February.

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) signed a USD2.4 billion contract with HDA in December 2023 to deliver 129 Redback IFVs to the Australian Army under the service's Land 400 Phase 3 programme.

HDA has partnered with various defence manufacturers including Elbit Land Systems to produce the Australian Redbacks.

The vehicles – which will be manufactured and assembled in Australia at Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) in Geelong, Victoria – will feature Elbit Systems' Iron Fist active protection system and 30 mm manned turret with the COAPS gunner sight in terms of fighting capabilities, Elbit Systems said in a press release in August 2023.

The IFVs will also be equipped with Elbit Systems' sensors such as electro-optic systems, IronVision situational awareness head-mounted display system, and laser warning system, Elbit Systems added at the time.

According to Elbit Systems, the USD600 million contract to supply protection and fighting capabilities and sensors to HDA will be performed over a period of five years.

HDA seeks to deliver the first batch of the Redback IFVs to the Australian Army in 2027 and the final batch will be delivered in late 2028.