Australia chooses a new BMP — the South Korean Redback ("Black Widow") and the German Lynx ("Lynx") in the KF-41 modification compete in the final of the competition. A new video published by Hanwha Defense shows the highlights of the Black Widow tests, and also indicates that this BMP has successfully passed tests within the framework of the LAND 400 Phase 3 tender. The Australian Defense Ministry will announce the winner soon.
The BMP AS21 Redback is a deeply upgraded version of the BMP K21, which is in service with the South Korean army. Hanwha Defense Systems presents it as a participant in the LAND 400 Phase 3 — Mounted Close Combat Capability program, under which the Australian Army will choose a replacement for obsolete tracked M113AS4 combat vehicles.
"Black Widow" in Kangaroo Country
The AS21 Redback combat vehicle can accommodate eleven people, including three crew members. Compared to the K21, the AS21 will have significantly improved security, including booking and active protection systems. The developers have not yet provided information on weapons, while the K21 can be equipped with rapid-firing guns of up to 40 mm caliber. In addition, a light tank with a 105 mm gun was previously presented on the basis of this BMP.
In the basic version, the K21 BMP weighs 26 tons and accommodates 12 people. The main weapon of the machine is a 40 mm automatic cannon. Aluminum armor protects the crew and troops from armor-piercing large-caliber bullets. The 740 hp engine accelerates the BMP to 70 km/h, and the light-alloy armor allows it to swim through water obstacles.
