Elbit Systems to provide self-protection for Redback

Haifa-based Elbit Systems has been awarded a US$600 million ($917 million) contract from Hanwha Defense Australia to supply self-protection systems for the Australian Army’s Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).

Hanwha Defense Australia was awarded the $7 billion contract to provide the Australian Army with 129 Redbacks in 2028 under Project Land 400 Ph.3. They will be manufactured in Geelong, Australia, where Hanwha is establishing an Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence. Deliveries will be complete by 2028.

Under this contract Elbit will provide advanced protection, fighting capabilities and sensors for the Redback IFV.

“This milestone reaffirms our commitment to delivering advanced, mission-critical solutions to the Australian Army,” said Mr Bezhalel Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems.

The IFV’s Redback Turret is based on the latest generation of Elbit Systems’ 30 mm manned turret with gunner’s sight and additional electro-optic systems, the Iron Fist active protection system, Elbit Systems’ Iron-Vision advanced situational awareness head-mounted display system and Elbit Systems’ ELAWS laser warning system. The turret will also carry the Varley Rafael Australian-made Spike Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).

The turret has a great deal of growth potential, according to industry sources, with both real estate and additional power to handle new generations of sensors and effectors, including Directed Energy (DE) weapons.

Hanwha Defense Australia also manufactures the AS9 self-propelled 155mm howitzer for the Australian Army. If this weapon is selected by the British Army, which is currently looking at new tracked self-propelled howitzers to replace its AS90s, the first 24 vehicles may end up being manufactured in Geelong while UK manufacturing facilities are established, according to industry sources.