Hanwha Aerospace from South Korea Offers Romania Advanced Redback IFV combat vehicles.

According to recent information released by the South Korean Defense Company Hanwha Aerospace, after the signature of a contract with Romania on July 10, 2024 for the supply of 54 K9 155mm self-propelled howitzer and 36 K10 Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, as part of efforts to broaden its partnership with Romania, Hanwha Aerospace is offering the Redback tracked armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) for Romania’s IFV modernization program.
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The AS-21 Redback is the latest development of modern tracked armored IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle full designed and developed by the South Korean Defense Company Hanwha Aerospace.  (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

In 2023, the Redback was selected for Australia’s next-generation IFV under the LAND 400 Phase 3 program for the delivery of 129 vehicles, most of which are to be built at a facility in Geelong, Victoria. To win the high-profile Australian IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) contest, the Redback successfully went through the world’s most competitive IFV tests and evaluations, proving its overwhelming maneuverability and lethality compared to other armoured combat vehicles.

Currently, the Romania army is equipped with 142 tracked armored IFVs including 41 MLI-84 and 101 MLI-84M Jderul. The MLI-84 Romanian Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) was developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It officially entered into service in 1985.

The MLI-84 is Romanian-made IFV based on the tracked chassis of the Soviet-made BMP-1 but is somewhat larger and heavier, featuring a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the left side of the rear troop compartment. This vehicle is fully amphibious, propelled through water by its tracks, and equipped with an NBC system and night vision equipment for the commander, gunner, and driver. Unlike the BMP-1, which has four rectangular roof hatches, the MLI-84 has three. The left rear rectangular hatch has been replaced with a circular hatch cover, on which the 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun is mounted.

The MLI-84M is a Romanian armored infantry fighting vehicle, developed by Uzina Mecanică Mizil between the 1990s and 2000s. It was officially introduced into service in 2005. It is an upgraded version of the MLI-84 infantry fighting vehicle, featuring a 25mm automatic cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and two Spike LR anti-tank missiles.

The Romanian Ministry of Defense is planning to replace its aging MLI-84 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). This replacement program will occur in two stages. The first stage, spanning from 2023 to 2031, involves the acquisition of 246 new IFVs, including training simulators and initial logistical support, with a budget of approximately 2.545 billion euros. The second stage, beginning in 2031, aims to procure an additional 52 IFVs for 450 million euros​.

Several contenders have shown interest in supplying the new IFVs. These include the ASCOD from General Dynamics European Land Systems, the AS21 Redback from Hanwha, and the Lynx from Rheinmetall. The ASCOD 2 and AS21 Redback are among the leading candidates, with the ASCOD being displayed in 2022 in Romania.

This significant modernization effort is part of a broader defense renewal program for the Romanian Armed Forces, estimated to be worth around 10 billion euros until 2030​.

Romania has planned to replace its old MLI-84 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) with a new generation of combat vehicles. In this image, you can see the MLI-84M. (Picture source: Wikimedia).

The Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) from Hanwha Defense was developed as an advanced variant of South Korea's K21 IFV to compete for international contracts, particularly for the Australian Army’s Land 400 Phase 3 project. The development of the Redback began around 2019, with its first prototype unveiled at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition in October 2019.

The Australian Army selected the Redback IFV in July 2023 after extensive trials and evaluations, awarding Hanwha a multi-billion-dollar contract. The first production vehicles are expected to be delivered by early 2027, with the final deliveries completed by 2028. The Redback is designed to offer enhanced protection, mobility, and firepower, featuring modular armor, advanced active protection systems, and superior crew comfort. It is equipped with a 30mm Bushmaster II cannon and can carry three crew members and up to eight infantry soldiers.

The Redback is tailored to meet modern combat requirements, integrating technologies such as the Iron Fist Active Protection System and a digital battle management system, making it a formidable addition to any military force. The vehicle's production will involve facilities in both South Korea and Australia, highlighting the deepening defense cooperation between these two countries​.

The Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) excels in mobility, firepower, and protection, making it a versatile and formidable asset for modern militaries. In terms of mobility, the Redback is powered by a 1,000 horsepower MTU eight-cylinder diesel engine, paired with an Allison automatic transmission, which allows it to reach speeds of up to 65 km/h. Its advanced hydropneumatic suspension system, featuring in-arm independent suspension units (ISU), provides exceptional off-road capability and ride stability, enabling the vehicle to traverse difficult terrain with ease. The one-piece rubber tracks further enhance mobility by reducing noise and vibration while simplifying maintenance and repairs​.

In terms of firepower, the Redback is equipped with a Mk44S Bushmaster II 30mm chain gun, which can be upgraded to a 40mm variant if required. This main armament is complemented by a coaxially mounted 7.62mm machine gun, providing comprehensive lethality against a range of targets. The vehicle's turret, based on Elbit's MT30 Mk 2 design, integrates advanced fire control systems, electro-optics, and situational awareness tools, ensuring precise targeting and effective engagement in combat scenarios. The Redback's protection is equally impressive, featuring modular armor that can be configured to provide protection levels from STANAG Level 2 to Level 6. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with the Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS), which offers superior defense against guided anti-tank missiles and projectiles, further enhancing its survivability on the battlefield​.