Redback infantry fighting vehicle displayed at Eurosatory 2022
Hanwha Defense announced on June 13 that it would showcase a range of advanced defense solutions, including combat vehicles, artillery systems, and air-defense systems, during the Eurosatory 2022.The biennial defense and security trade show is scheduled to take place at Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, Paris, between June 13 and 17.Hanwha Defense noted that its Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) would be displayed in full size for the first time in the European market.The Seoul-based company said that the Redback would highlight its next-generation capabilities to meet the needs of European customers looking for advanced combat vehicles with enhanced maneuverability and protection technologies.The Redback was shortlisted in 2019 as one of the two final bidders for Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program.Last year, the futuristic combat vehicle completed the final tests and evaluations conducted by the Australian Defense Force, followed by the South Korean Army’s test trials in recent months.In Europe, the Redback has drawn attention in the wake of the ongoing conflict in some parts of the region, as many European armed forces are seeking to acquire combat vehicles fitted with state-of-the-art armored protection capabilities against anti-tank weapons and all-terrain maneuverability.The Redback employs several innovative protection and situation awareness technologies, such as the Iron Fist hard-kill active protection system; the Iron Vision “see-through” helmet-mounted display; the Solar Sigma Shield against adversary detection and engagement systems.The Composite Rubber Track is one of the new-generation technologies adopted by the Redback to reduce noise and vibration substantially while offering superior ride quality for its crews.“The Redback proved its lethality, maneuverability, and survivability during the Australian Risk Mitigation Activity in Australia and following test trials in South Korea,” Hanwha Defense Executive Vice President Billy Lee said.“With the growing requirements on advanced IFVs with enhanced protection and mobility, Redback’s competitiveness in the global IFV markets will increase further.”Other notable weapon systems
Hanwha Defense said that it would unveil the design of the K9A2 155mm/52-calibre Self-Propelled Howitzer for the British Army during the Eurosatory 2022.The K9A2 is the newest version of the K9 Thunder, which has been adopted by nine countries around the world.The K9A2 is designed to feature an automatic ammunition handling system; an increased rate of fire of nine to ten rounds per minute; composite rubber tracks; and a remote-controlled weapon station.Hanwha Defense is leading “Team Thunder” to bid for the Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) program from the UK Ministry of Defense. Team Thunder aims to locally manufacture the K9A2 through the UK supply chain.The team includes Lockheed Martin UK; Pearson Engineering; Horstman Defense Systems; Leonardo; and Soucy Defense of the Soucy Group.“Unlike wheeled vehicles, the K9 tracked artillery is capable of operating more effectively in difficult terrains, including off-road, deserts, snow, and other challenging environments,” Hanwha Defense Director Sun Wi said.“The K9A2 features unrivaled firepower, mobility, operational survivability, weight and power growth margins, to meet the capability needs of modern artillery into the future.”About 1,700 units of the K9 system are in service with nine countries, including NATO members such as Poland, Norway, Finland, and Estonia.Australia and Egypt have also placed significant orders.The K21 is an advanced infantry fighting vehicle with a high level of lethality, mobility, and operability. The amphibious combat vehicle is equipped with a 40mm cannon and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, as well as anti-tank guided missiles.Hanwha Defense said that the K21 has an excellent cross-country maneuverability with an in-arm suspension unit based on an advanced battlefield management system for synergy effects with all of the friendly combat forces by sharing real-time battlefield information.The Tigon is an advanced armored wheeled vehicle developed in 2018, one of the latest armored wheeled vehicles in the world, according to Hanwha Defense.Having two variants of 6x6 and 8x8 vehicles, it can carry out various tactical missions, taking advantage of all-round armor protection and flexible armament application.The Tigon participated in several trials in different countries, showcasing its outstanding combat and reconnaissance capability. Its maximum speed on the road is 100km/h, and 8 km/h in water as an option.Combat weight is 21 tons with a capacity of carrying 11 crew. BIHO-II BIHO-II is a next-generation wheeled air defense system capable of thwarting all types of aerial threats.A Hanwha official said that the vehicle features high maneuverability and excellent reaction time, improving the survivability for allied troops as well as enhancing air defense for major facilities.이 기사를 공유합니다
Tim Kim
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