Will South Korea choose the Redback-eX for its next IFV program?.

According to recent updates from Mason on July 3, 2024, indicate that the 'Redback-eX' is under consideration in South Korea as their next Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) program, ahead of the development of a new IFV (K-NIFV). The Redback-eX includes several significant features, such as SNT Dynamic's 'CTA' cannon, which utilizes various 40mm Cased Telescoped Ammunition (CTA) from Poongsan Corporation.
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The prototype of the AS-21 Redback IFV was unveiled at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2019 (ADEX 2019) held in South Korea. (Picture source: Hanwha Defense)

The 40mm CTA ammunition features a cylindrical cartridge case that houses the warhead inside, differing from traditional 40mm cartridges where the warhead protrudes. This design reduces the ammunition volume by 30%, allowing for a higher payload capacity. Additionally, the CTA uses a rotary chamber that simplifies cartridge ejection and improves reliability and maintainability by reducing the number of loading and extraction cycle parts by 50%.

The development of 40mm wing-stabilized armor-piercing shells, practice shells, and CTA guns involves the South Korean Agency for Defense Development, SNT Heavy Industries, and Poongsan. These efforts began with projects from 2009 to 2015, focusing on CTA gun design technology. The ongoing project, "Warhead-Built Multipurpose High-Explosive Shell Design Technology," aims to complete test evaluations and standardization by 2024, with a follow-up Test and Development project scheduled from 2025 to 2028.

The reduced volume of the 40mm CTA ammunition leads to a decreased propellant charge. Despite a 20% reduction in chamber volume compared to existing 40mm ammunition, the design maintains performance using a high-energy composition propellant that increases gas discharge speed. Initially, a double-component JA2 propellant was used, but due to safety concerns, a propellant with better insensitivity characteristics was developed by adding RDX to nitrocellulose, resulting in the RAN3 composition. The RAN3 propellant offers similar thrust to JA2 but with a lower flame temperature, extending the gun barrel's lifespan. The 40mm CTA machine gun is designed to withstand higher chamber pressures, elevated to 70,000 psi to 74,000 psi, and features chrome plating for durability.

The 40mm CTA ammunition used by SNT Dynamic's 'CTA' cannon features a cylindrical cartridge case that houses the warhead inside, differing from traditional 40mm cartridges where the warhead protrudes. (Picture source: Twitter/Mason)

According to Mason, the Redback-eX also features an unmanned turret, likely sourced from Elbit Systems, chosen by Hanwha Aerospace for its prompt bid response time. This turret is intended to incorporate an enhanced Korean Active Protection System (APS) and a highly intelligent Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS).

Another notable feature is the TAipers missile, a lightweight, air-launched guided anti-tank missile with a lock-on before launch (LOBL) capability. This missile employs a dual-mode seeker combining visible and infrared imagery, guided by an optical fiber data link. It consists of four main sections: the seeker, propulsion system, control mechanism, and battery, with an optical fiber cable at the rear.

Powered by a smokeless solid-propellant rocket motor, the TAipers missile achieves a cruise speed of about 200 m/s and a maximum striking range of 8 km. Hanwha states that the missile can penetrate up to 1,000 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA).

The TAipers missile is set to replace the BGM-71 TOW missiles in the military stocks of the Republic of Korea starting in 2024. For comparison, the BGM-71 TOW 2A weighs 22.7 kg, reaches a maximum speed of 310 m/s, has a range of 3.75 km, and can penetrate 900 mm of armor.

The TAipers missile is a lightweight, air-launched guided anti-tank missile with a lock-on before launch (LOBL) capability. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Given the high standards expected of the K-NIFV, Hanwha Aerospace and the Republic of Korea Army are likely to select the Redback-eX as their secondary IFV. The Redback, already adopted by the Australian military and sharing components with the K9 artillery, is positioned for mass production. Additionally, the Redback is currently participating in the Romanian IFV acquisition program, indicating its growing international presence and appeal.

The Korean New Infantry Fighting Vehicle (K-NIFV), developed by Hanwha Aerospace, was introduced at ADEX 2023 as a successor to the K21 IFV. This vehicle aims to replace older infantry fighting vehicles within the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA). It features a hybrid propulsion system, which includes a diesel engine, batteries, and electric motors situated at the front. This configuration aims to improve performance, reduce vibrations, and save weight through the use of rubber tracks. The vehicle's combat weight is projected to be between 42 to 45 tonnes, necessitating at least 1,000 hp for adequate performance.

The K-NIFV is equipped with advanced weaponry and defensive measures. It includes a new 40mm cased telescoped ammunition cannon by SNT Dynamics and a remotely controlled weapon station with a 12.7mm machine gun. The turret design integrates the TAipers anti-tank missile system, which has a range of 10 km and a dual-seeker system. Additionally, it incorporates Elbit Systems' Iron Fist active protection system to enhance defense against various threats. This configuration is intended to meet the requirements of modern combat and improve the capabilities of South Korea's armored vehicle fleet.

The Korean New Infantry Fighting Vehicle (K-NIFV), developed by Hanwha Aerospace, was introduced at ADEX 2023 as a successor to the K21 IFV. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The AS-21 Redback is an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) developed by South Korea's Hanwha Defense. It is a candidate for the Australian Army's LAND 400 Phase 3 project, intended to replace the M113 armored personnel carriers. The vehicle is armed with a Mk44S Bushmaster II 30mm chain gun, which can be upgraded to a 40mm variant, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and SPIKE LR2 anti-tank guided missiles. It also includes the Iron Fist active protection system to counter guided anti-tank missiles and projectiles, with capabilities for threat detection and mitigation.

The AS-21 Redback has a combat weight of 42 tons, a maximum speed of over 65 km/h, and a range of 520 km. Its in-arm hydro-pneumatic suspension system aids maneuverability and crew comfort. The vehicle accommodates a crew of three and can transport eight soldiers. Its modular armor provides protection levels ranging from STANAG Levels 2 to 6 and includes systems to mitigate blasts from mines and improvised explosive devices. Additionally, the Iron Vision system by Elbit Systems offers 360-degree situational awareness.

The AS-21 Redback is armed with a Mk44S Bushmaster II 30mm chain gun, which can be upgraded to a 40mm variant, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and SPIKE LR2 anti-tank guided missiles. (Picture source: Army Recognition)