EOS T-2000 turret and Hanwha Redback IFV for Land 400 Phase 3 Australia.

Electro Optic Systems acting through its EOS Defence Systems subsidiary has teamed with Hanwha Defence Australia for a tender for the Commonwealth’s “Land 400 Phase 3” requirement for infantry fighting vehicles (IFV). The Hanwha tender response is based on its “Redback” IFV which incorporates the EOS T-2000 turret launched onto the global market on 27 February 2019.

T-2000 modular medium caliber turret. (Picture source EOS)

This collaboration represents a significant investment for the partners over many years, and the performance advantages of Redback with T-2000 will be exploited in joint marketing campaigns through 2019 and beyond.

If the Hanwha-EOS teaming is successful in achieving contract award, the EOS work share in the program will exceed $1 billion over 8 years for equipment acquisition. A substantial part of this revenue is associated with the EOS T-2000 turret.

Hanwha is one of the world’s largest, most experienced, and most advanced armored vehicle developers and manufacturers. The AS21 Redback will be developed based on the K21 tracked armored IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) which is in service the South Korea Army.

The AS21 Redback will be enhanced version of the standard K21 offering more protection against current ballistic and mine threats. It will have a larger internal volume to accommodate 8 dismount troops and a crew of three soldiers including driver, commander and gunner.

The T2000 is a modular medium caliber turret capable of optimisation to meet customer requirements for weapon and missile loads, protection levels and specialist capabilities such as active protection and other advanced technology payloads. The turret can be armed with automatic cannon from 25 to 50 mm caliber.

The sighting of the T2000 integrates day camera, thermal and laser range finder in a robust, user replaceable sealed unit, common sensor unit for all EOS (Electro Optic System) weapon systems and turrets. The R150 or R400 Commander’s RWS (Remotely Weapon Station) allow engagement of simultaneous targets by the commander and gunner. RWS can also act as a sight for the turret.

Mockup of AS-21 Redback IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle (Picture source Twitter DTR Magazine)