Hanwha Defense Unveils Cutting-Edge Ground Defense Innovations at EDEX 2021
Hanwha Defense is displaying its advanced land defense systems at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) 2021, which is being held from November 29 to December 2 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in Cairo.
Participating in the second iteration of the global arms expo organized by the Egyptian Armed Forces, Hanwha Defense presents an array of cutting-edge defense technologies, including the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH); an upgraded version of the Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS); and the fifth-generation Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), aiming to lead the African defense sector.
An enhanced model of the standard 155mm/52-caliber K9 SPH, the K9A1 featured prominently during the arms exhibition, as the Egyptian military is contemplating the acquisition of a fleet of K9 SPHs alongside various support vehicles.
The K9 stands as the most sought-after self-propelled howitzer globally, with approximately 1,700 units in service across seven nations: South Korea, Turkey, India, Poland, Finland, Norway, and Estonia. Australia is also in advanced discussions to procure an Australian variant of the K9 SPH.
Recognized for its exceptional firepower, mobility, and armored defense, the tracked artillery system complies with NATO standards and is suitable for deployment in diverse environments, including snowy terrains and arid deserts.
Equipped with a rotating turret capable of a complete 360-degree traverse, the 47-ton vehicle boasts a firing range of 40 km and can reach speeds of up to 67 km/h. It can deliver its initial shot within 30 seconds from a stationary state and within 60 seconds while in motion, achieving a burst rate of fire between six to eight rounds per minute.
In addition to the K9, a lightweight RCWS is showcased. Outfitted with the K6 or K4 machine gun, this new variant of the RCWS can seamlessly integrate with tanks, armored vehicles, and light tactical transports.
Hanwha Defense is the sole enterprise in South Korea capable of independently developing and manufacturing RCWS and has secured contracts for their production for high-speed patrol ships and amphibious assault vehicles utilized by the South Korean Navy and Marine Corps, respectively.
The Redback is an innovative IFV contending for the Australian Army’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program. The Redback is equipped with an array of cutting-edge technologies, including composite rubber tracks, the sophisticated In-arm Suspension Unit that eliminates torsion bars, providing additional space for effective blast mitigation, and the Iron Vision see-through helmet-mounted display technology.
“Aspiring to become one of the leading land systems developers in the globe, Hanwha Defense prioritizes the advancement of sophisticated technology in order to deliver world-class defense solutions,” stated Son Jae-il, President & CEO of Hanwha Defense. “In alignment with the South Korean Government’s ‘K-Defense Globalization Strategy,’ we will intensify efforts to expand the presence of South Korea’s pioneering defense technology in the international defense market.”
