Northrop Grumman and Hanwha Defense Australia Collaborate to Equip Redback IFVs with Mk44S Bushmaster Chain Guns.

On June 4, 2024, Northrop Grumman Corporation announced a partnership with Hanwha Defense Australia to enhance the capabilities of the Australian Army by integrating advanced Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster Chain Guns (Mk44S) into the Hanwha Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). This partnership is part of the LAND 400 Phase 3 program and includes the production of 129 Mk44S chain guns, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2026.

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Hanwha Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle fitted with Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster Chain Guns (Picture source: Northrop Grumman)

Under the strategic LAND 400 Phase 3 program, the agreement includes the production of 129 Mk44S chain guns, with the first deliveries expected in 2026. This initiative will extend the Bushmaster legacy in Australia, where these chain guns are already deployed on various land, air, and sea-based combat platforms.

The Mk44S chain gun is known for its interoperability with Northrop Grumman's advanced ammunition suite, initially developed for the U.S. Army. This suite includes programmable airburst munitions among other types, such as armor-piercing and proximity-fuzed ammunition. These advancements enable Australian crew members to effectively counter a wide range of ground and aerial threats by selecting the most effective ammunition in real-time.

The Mk44S chain gun utilizes ammunition from various providers, including advanced munitions such as proximity-fuzed rounds. Each cannon is equipped with a fuse setter for programmable rounds, including programmable air burst munition and proximity-fuzed rounds. It can also be rapidly upgraded to the 40mm Supershot by replacing three parts, enhancing lethality without the need to modify the turret or cannon. The Redback is also armed with a 7.62mm co-axially mounted machine gun, and the Electro-Optic System’s remote weapon station can be fitted with a range of weapons including a 7.62mm machine gun, a .50 caliber machine, and an automatic grenade launcher.

Jennifer Zonneveld, Director of Bushmaster Chain Guns at Northrop Grumman, highlighted the global reliability of these automatic cannons due to their "performance and reliability." She added, "In partnership with the Hanwha-led Team Redback, Northrop Grumman is committed to providing the Australian Army with the most advanced medium caliber capability in the world, ensuring the system's relevance for the foreseeable future."

Northrop Grumman, a global leader in aerospace and defense technology, continues to push the boundaries of innovation, providing solutions that equip customers with essential capabilities for security and exploration across the globe. Currently, over 20,000 Bushmaster Chain Guns are in service with 65 allied nations worldwide, demonstrating their global acceptance and reliability.