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Hanwha Defense Australia’s training team conducted driver exposure training for the Redback infantry fighting vehicle in the Republic of Korea.
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The delegation travelled to the training area at Hanwha Aerospace Land Systems Business Group as part of an ongoing skill development and knowledge transfer from South Korea.
During the driver exposure training, personnel are educated on basic operator and maintenance training for HDA instructors; as well as practical driver training on HAS’ Driver Circuit, commanding, maintaining and understanding the vehicle’s performance as a dismounted combatant.
“We achieved all the objectives identified during the DET activity, enabled with immense support provided by our training counterparts in HAS,” according to HDA training manager Phil Whitehead.
“The activity established an excellent baseline of platform knowledge for the team and this will enable progression towards more detailed instructor development in the future.
“Basic mission system characteristics, maintenance and safe operational competence were central topics throughout the activity, concluding with a site tour of HAS’ production facility, providing the team with a truly immersive experience.”
All DET trainees were presented with a Record of Completion at the conclusion of training, with further development modules to follow in 2024.
The Australian federal government has previously signed an approximately $4 billion contract with Hanwha Defense Australia for the delivery of 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles (IFV).
The program will see all 129 vehicles manufactured in Australia, with vehicle deliveries to begin in 2027 and have the fleet delivered in full by 2028.
A series of eight prototype vehicles will also be manufactured in both South Korea and Australia as the program develops.
The contract includes the development and delivery of the training system components and support system components through until final acceptance in 2029, with an initial support contract in place for the first five years following delivery.
“The contract for the Redback IFV now in place to deliver this world-leading capability,” Jae-il Son, president and chief executive officer of Hanwha Aerospace said.
“The order represents a further strengthening of the Hanwha presence in Australia next to the AS9 and AS10 Huntsman vehicles under LAND 8116 for the Australian Defence Force. The ties between Australia and South Korea are growing rapidly and we are excited to be part of that growing relationship.”
Manufacturing all 129 vehicles at the Hanwha Armoured vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE) facility at Geelong is expected to bring high technology vehicle manufacturing to the region and provide a potential export base for Australian companies.
