Hanwha to Build Armored Vehicles with Australian Steel Manufacturer

Hanwha Defense has joined forces with Australian steel manufacturer Bisalloy Steels to build armored combat vehicles and self-propelled howitzers for international markets. 

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Hanwha Defense will procure Bisalloy steel for its signature land defense platforms, such as the Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) and the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer, for exports to international markets beyond Australia. 

Bisalloy Steel is one of the Australian Industrial Capability (AIC) partner firms for Hanwha Defense Australia, which is participating in Commonwealth’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program with the Redback IFV.  

Both companies will also conduct joint technical analysis and development of integration of Bisally steel into the Redback and K9 for exports to the market of Europe and others.   

“We’re pleased to work closely with Hanwha Defense and enter its global supply chain. Bisalloy steels capability has been proven over its 40-year of history, and through working together we believe we will contribute to Hanwha’s product portfolio and its international business,” said Michael Gundy, Managing Director of Bisalloy Steels. “We look forward to expanding our business with Hanwha in the years ahead.” 

“We are very excited to expand cooperation with Bisalloy Steels for international markets, as we have been delighted with Bisalloy steel’s proven quality through the performance of the Redback IFV,” said Son Jae-il, CEO and President of Hanwha Defense. “We will explore ways to use Bisalloy steel further for the K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer, as well as the Redback IFV. Upon the recent contract with Egypt over the K9, in particular, we will review ways to utilize the Australian steel for the K9A1EGY project first.”

Hanwha Defense signed a $1.6 billion contract on February 1 with the Egyptian Ministry of Defense to jointly produce the K9 and other support vehicles.