Redback tested in Poland. Hanwha Defense: We are offering Redback for Poland in two configurations with different turret systems

Since mid-October, the Redback IFV, produced by South Korean Hanwha Defense, is being tested in Poland. The vehicle is considered by the Polish MoD to be used by 18^th Mechanized Division, the same unit that will receive US-made M1A1 SA and M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank in the near future, and the tests are being conducted by the 18^th Mechanized Division. Redback, as a heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle, could supplement and support Abrams Main Battle Tanks in operations in eastern Poland, where various units of 18^th Mechanized Division are located.

Other units of the Polish Land Forces, such as the 16^th Mechanized Division, which is set to receive South Korean K2 Main Battle Tanks this year, are to operate the lighter, Polish-designed amphibious Borsuk IFVs,

Maj. Gen. Maciej Jabłoński, Polish Land Forces Inspector told Defence24.pl in a September interview the following on the possible introduction of a heavy IFV to the Polish Armed Forces besides Borsuk for 18^th Mechanized Division.

We are conducting analysis regarding a purchase of a heavy Infantry Fighting Vehicle exactly for the 18^th Division requirements. A Korean AS-21 Vehicle, named Redback for the Australian requirement, is very well protected on sides and and roof, keeping highest NATO standards in this area. (...) We will continuously be developing Borsuk, which will be manufactured by the Polish industrial base. Not only we will not resign from Borsuk even if we field new heavy IFV, but we consider the procurement of Borsuk as a priority for the Mechanised Forces."
as Maj. Gen. Maciej Jabłoński told Defence24.pl.

Borsuk IFV equipped with the Polish-made unmanned ZSSW-30 turret, developed by Huta Stalowa Wola in consortium with WB Electronics. The tests of Borsuk will soon start in 16^th Mechanized Division. The same type of turret, in a slightly different variant, will also be used on Polish Rosomak Armored Personnel Carriers.

The Redback vehicle that has been tested in Poland is equipped the Redback turret, the same solution offered to the Australian Army in the Land 400 Phase 3 project. The turret is armed with 30 mm Bushmaster II Mk 44/S gun, which is capable of using programmable ammunition, a coaxial machine gun and a Spike LR2 launcher. It has been designed to easily integrate supporting systems, such as Iron Fist Active Protection System and Iron Vision observation system. The turret has also been designed to facilitate integration with the AS-21 vehicle, ensuring an under-armour reloading capability as well as the optimal use of space within the vehicle.

As Executive Vice President Lee Boo-hwan of Hanwha Defense's Overseas Business Division told Defence24.pl, Redback is being offered in Poland in two configurations; with the current manned Redback turret which has already undergone integration and lethality testing, and the Polish ZSSW-30 unmanned turret.

We are offering Redback for Poland in two configurations with different turret systems. One option is the current Redback manned turret, and another option is the Polish ZSSW-30. To that end we have already started talks with HSW, regarding the integration of ZSSW-30 turret on the Redback vehicle for Poland. We have a very good experience of integrating a Polish turret on our K9 chassis. We can repeat this with ZSSW-30 and Redback if this is what the customer requires. The Redback design is based on open architecture so we are able to quickly integrate various systems on Redback, such as the ZSSW-30 turret. Integration of various other Polish subsystems is also an option
Executive Vice President Lee Boo-hwan of Hanwha Defense's Overseas Business Division

The Redback IFV has been designed by South Korean Hanwha Defense company, based on the experience in K21 amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle, which is already in service of the Republic of Korea Army. Redback was prepared and prototyped for the Australian Land 400 program in less than 12 months since the requirement was revealed. Redback has a combat weight of 42 tons, which allows a high level of protection, and also integration of various systems, including the Iron Fist Active Protection System.

Redback is also fully digitized and compatible with NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture, the vehicle is also equipped with the Battle Management System. Additionally, the vehicle is being powered by 1000-hp engine coupled with hydropneumatic in-arm suspension. Currently the Redback is using MTU Engine and Allison transmission – the same that in Krab and K9 howitzers, with a Korean engine and transmission also under development.

Redback is being offered in the Australian Land 400 Phase 3 project, competing with German Lynx. As said previously, in the configuration offered for Australia, the Redback turret is a new evolution of the MT-30 turret, with the design configured in Australia to meet the specific program requirements. The platform is designed in such a way that could accommodate other turret systems.

Redback is an advanced IFV, based on latest technologies. It features excellent firewpower, mobility and digital connectivity, which enable it to support all the modern Main Battle Tanks, including Abrams, K2 and Leopard 2 effectively. The protection is ensured both by passive armor (level 6 and above) and by Active Protection Systems. We are open to adapt the vehicle to the Polish Army requirements and cooperate with the Polish industry on delivering the Redback to Poland. I would like to highlight that we aim to maximise the benefits of cooperation for the Polish industry
Executive Vice President Lee Boo-hwan of Hanwha Defense's Overseas Business Division

Besides the Land 400 Phase 3 program in Australia, Redback is also being considered by the Republic of Korea Army, and it has already been tested by the ROK Army. Additionally, Redback platform is the basis of the offer of consortium led by US Oshkosh Defense, with the participation of Hanwha Defense USA, as well as numerous other companies, in the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle project, aimed at the replacement of Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles in US Army. It is expected that Redback will be developed in different configurations for various customers and applications.