Elbit Systems to supply $600Mn-worth systems for Australian Army's AS21 Redback IFV.

Elbit Systems declared today, February 26, a continuation of its August 16, 2023 announcement, confirming its successful bid for a contract valued at around $600 million. The contract entails supplying systems to Hanwha Defense Australia as part of the Australian Land 400 Phase 3 Project. This initiative is geared towards enhancing the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) for the Australian Army by providing advanced protection, combat capabilities, and a comprehensive sensor suite. The contract's execution is slated over a five-year timeframe.
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AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicle on display in Canberra. The Australian Army will take delivery of 129 such vehicles, to be built in Geelong (Picture source: Australian MoD/Andrew Green)

Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, President and CEO of Elbit Systems: "This milestone reaffirms our commitment to delivering advanced, mission-critical solutions to the Australian Army. Elbit Systems is dedicated to supplying cutting-edge defense technologies that will safeguard troops on the modern battlefield."

As background information, in response to Australia's evolving strategic landscape, the Army is set to bolster its capabilities with the acquisition of 129 new infantry fighting vehicles. The Australian Government announced that, pending final negotiations and approval, Hanwha's Redback vehicles will be manufactured at facilities located in the Geelong region. This move aligns with Australia's strategic imperative to cultivate sovereign defense manufacturing capabilities.

With a projected cost ranging between $5 billion and $7 billion, the LAND 400 Phase 3 project stands as one of the Army's most substantial capability acquisitions to date. These new Redback vehicles will replace the aging M113 armored personnel carriers, originally procured in 1964, with the first Redback expected to be delivered by early 2027.

Equipped with cutting-edge armor, cannon systems, and missiles, the Redback IFVs are designed to offer enhanced protection, mobility, and firepower necessary for close combat operations, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of soldiers in fulfilling their missions.

The acquisition of these modern vehicles is part of the government's broader initiative to modernize the Army, enabling it to address emerging land challenges effectively within the region. Additionally, the timing of the Redback delivery aligns with the introduction of new HIMARS missile systems and landing craft, as outlined in the Defence Strategic Review, which emphasizes the need for Army transformation to support littoral maneuver operations from Australia.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy emphasized the government's commitment to investing in national security and the welfare of Australian soldiers. He underscored the importance of supporting the domestic defense industry to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, noting that manufacturing the Redback vehicles in Australia would generate up to 600 direct jobs and contribute to over a thousand additional jobs within the local industry supply chain.

Defense News February 2024