- Yes
- No
G’day and welcome to my suggestion for the AS21 Redback. In 2019 the Australian Army shortlisted the AS21 and a KF41 Lynx for their new IFV under the Land 400 Phase 3 contract. Testing was delayed due to COVID however in 2013 the AS21 was selected the winner with 129 contracted for deliveries starting in 2027 and production taking place in Australia. It is named for the Redback spider, one of Australia’s most venomous spiders, and certainly the most iconic spider in the land down under.
The AS21 will replace the M113 which has been in Australian service for over 60 years (!!), although this is not Australia’s first time considering replacement of the obsolete M113s. A program known as “Project Waler” for an indigenous Australian IFV kicked off in the '80s which lead to some design tenders although ultimately no prototypes before it was decided to soldier on with the M113. So to say this upgrade is overdue is understating it.
Project Waler IFV Design Tender
The AS21 Redback is based on Hanwha of Korea’s K21 IFV, although almost every single major component has been upgraded or changed to meet the Australian requirements. The engine has been upgraded to a 1000hp Rolls-Royce Power Systems mtu MT881-Ka500 engine under a technology transfer agreement with STX Engine Co of South Korea to be assembled in Australia by Penske, with an Allison X1100 transmission.
The turret is now the T-2000 turret developed by Electro Optic Systems Australia. The armaments have been swapped out for a Mk.44S Bushmaster II 30mm, twin Spike LR2 ATGM launcher, co-axial MAG58 7.62mm GPMG and an integrated EOS R400 remote weapon station which itself can operate machine guns including the 12.7mm M2HB, and up to a 40mm Mk 47 Striker AGL or a 30mm M230LF Bushmaster.
And protection comes in the form of Australian company Bisalloy manufactured steel together with integrated and add-on armour packages from Plasan of Israel, and an Elbit Systems Ironfist APS. The AS21 Redback is rated for up to STANAG level 6 protection. All in all, the Redback weighs ~42t from the heavier armour protection package, considerably more than the K21’s original 25t weight.
Additionally, the AS21 is not amphibious like the original K21. And the interior is designed for a crew of 3 plus 6 dismounts as opposed to the K21’s original 9 dismount occupancy capacity. This was a purposeful change in the Australian requirement to accommodate the soldier’s gear and improve comfort.
Export potential from Australia also exists, with Poland already having evaluated the AS21 in their new IFV considerations. And the future possibility exists for a 40mm variant with the Mk.44S able to become a 40mm by swapping just four parts.
In War Thunder, the Redback would have some best in class protection levels while carrying multiple weapon systems able to deal with a variety of situations.
Spoiler
Length: 8.8m
Width: 3.6m
Height: 3.8m
Weight: 42t
Engine: MTU MT 881 Ka500 diesel, 1000hp
Top Speed: 70km/hr (Allison X1100 transmission)
Crew: 3 (Driver, Gunner, Commander) + 6 Dismounts
Main Armament: 30mm Mk.44S Bushmaster II cannon (220 rounds), 360 degrees traverse, -10/+60 degrees elevation, fully stabilized
Secondary Armament: Twin Spike LR2 launcher, co-axial 7.62mm MAG58 GPMG (2690 rounds)
Tertiary Armament: EOS R400 remote weapon station capable of using MAG58 7.62mm (1200 rounds), or 12.7mm M2HB (500 rounds), or 30mm M230LF Bushmaster that has -10/+60 degrees elevation (150 rounds), or a Mk 47 Striker 40mm automatic grenade launcher that has -20/+50 degrees elevation (75 rounds)
Smoke: 8x76mm launchers
Protection: Elbit Systems Ironfist APS, armour protection up to STANAG level 6
Additional Features: Thermal sights (for both gunner and commander’s RWS), Laser Rangefinder (for both gunner and commander’s RWS), 360 degree Laser Warning System, Killer-Killer RWS functionality (R400 Commander’s RWS allows engagement of simultaneous targets by the commander and gunner. RWS can also act as a sight for the turret), IronVision “See Through Armour System”
Spoiler
https://www.hanwha-defence.com.au/redback-ifv
https://www.militarysystems-tech.com/sites/militarysystems/files/supplier_docs/T2000BrochureAUS_0.pdf
https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2025/10/australian-redbacks-gain-more-venom-with-remote-weapon-station-contract-foc/
https://cdn.northropgrumman.com/-/media/wp-content/uploads/Mk44S-30-40mm-Bushmaster-Chain-Gun.pdf?v=1.0.0
https://www.defence.gov.au/news-events/news/2023-07-27/redback-bring-army-some-bite
Hanwha Defence Australia
