Third Redback embarks for Australia
Prototype IFV to be assessed in the Project Land 400 Phase 3 competition.
South Korean company Hanwha Defense has despatched its third and final AS21 Redback prototype IFV (pictured) to Australia for the Project Land 400 Phase 3 competition.
This vehicle will be officially delivered to the Australian Army in mid-January 2021, Hanwha announced on 20 December.
The third prototype was specially designed to withstand landmines, IEDs and other attacks on the underside of the vehicle.
The first two Redbacks were developed and built in less than 12 months under a A$50 million ($35.75 million) test and evaluation contract with the Australian Department of Defence.
Those vehicles arrived in Australia in August and are being assembled with a turret developed by Elbit Systems.
Land 400 Phase 3 is intended to introduce a new IFV to replace an ageing fleet of M113AS4 APCs in Australian service. Redback is competing the Rheinmetall KF41 Lynx IFV.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Project Land 400 Phase 3 [Australia]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs]()
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
![With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?]()
With changing patterns in Middle Eastern procurement, is Europe missing out?
Traditional suppliers are struggling to meet the Middle East’s armoured vehicle modernisation needs, creating opportunities for South Korean manufacturers and regional defence industries.
-
![AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements]()
AUSA 2026: CUAS market expands as suppliers target new threats and operational requirements
New developments from MARSS, MyDefence, Mountain Horse Solutions and Rafael suggest that future counter-drone protection will increasingly depend on combining advanced detection, rapid interception and integrated defensive networks.
