South Koreas Hanwha Group is discussing setting up a local manufacturing chain with state governments as part of its expected bid for the armys infantry fighting vehicles IFVs tender, due to be narrowed to a short list by mid-next year.
South Korea’s Hanwha Group is discussing setting up a local manufacturing chain with state governments as part of its expected bid for the army’s infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) tender, due to be narrowed to a short list by mid-next year.
The Land 400 Phase 3 contract could be for up to 450 close-combat. troop-carrying armoured vehicles, costing up to $15 billion, to replace the M113 armoured personnel carriers. The government says the IFV contract will be “the largest investment in [the] army’s capability ever undertaken’’ and requirements will range from peacekeeping to close combat.
Hanwha’s offering will based on its KT21 NIFV (next-generation IFV), which it says will incorporate what has been learned since the first KT21s were delivered to the South Korean army in 2009. The heavier Australian version is dubbed the AS21 Redback and it is expected to be unveiled at the Land Forces 2018 exposition this week.
Hanwha has been having supply-chain discussions with the Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian governments about backing for its bid.
“There are niche market capabilities in Australia that could be beneficial to South Korea,” a source aware of the company’s plans says. “Australian industry is quite innovative in technology and there is benefit in engaging in smaller industries with high capability and Australia can benefit from high orders.’’
The source says Hanwha is proposing nearly 600 permanent, direct jobs in Australia and 2000 indirect jobs. The group has identified Australian companies that could join its supply chain.
