South Korea’s Hanwha Defense said Tuesday it has been shortlisted for the Australian military’s multibillion-dollar plan to replace its current aging fleet of mobility vehicles with advanced capability.

According to the company, its AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle is one of two contenders for the Land 400 Phase 3 Program. Competing against Hanwha’s Redback is German firm Rheinmetall Defence’s Lynx KF41.

The two companies’ IFVs were selected over other global competitors such as CV90 from BAE Systems and Ajax from General Dynamics. The Australian military is expected to reach a final decision by 2021 after two years of assessments.

“Being shortlisted for the Australian military project is a testament to our advanced defense technology and proactive commitment in the global market,” said Hanwha Defense CEO Lee Sung-soo.

The Land 400 Phase 3 Program is designed to upgrade the Australian Army’s mobility and reconnaissance vehicles. Under the program, up to 450 modern IFVs will be acquired to replace current M113AS4 Armored Personnel carriers.

Hanwha joined the bidding process after teaming up with local defense firm EOS Group to develop a turret and other key parts of the Redback. Based on technologies used for the K21 IFV and K9 Thunder howitzer, the vehicle integrates active protection systems into an evolved turret system.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jasonyeo@heraldcorp.com)