The vehicle combines the tracked Redback hull selected by the Australian Army in 2023 with Lockheed Martin UK’s latest crewed turret. It is designed to provide conventional infantry fighting vehicle firepower and a counter-UAS capability in a single platform.
The turret is armed with a NATO-qualified CTA International 40mm cannon and was developed and integrated at Lockheed Martin UK’s Bedfordshire facility. The configuration marks the first time the British system has been fitted to the Redback.
It also includes the inaugural integration of Lockheed Martin UK’s SkyKeeper command-and-control system within a turret architecture. SkyKeeper is connected through the Generic Vehicle Architecture, allowing additional technologies and capabilities to be incorporated during the vehicle’s service life.
Proven tech integrated for modern warfare.
Our collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace is delivering a dual-role IFV & C-UAS capability — integrating our next-gen turret & SkyKeeper C2 onto the Redback. A low-risk, digitally-enabled solution. Delivering decisive advantage. #DVD2026 pic.twitter.com/4FFi0VoFeR
— Lockheed Martin UK (@LMUKNews) September 16, 2026
“The vehicle on display at DVD demonstrates how quickly an in-service platform can be reconfigured to meet a new customer’s requirements,” said Byunggil Lee, director of armoured vehicles at Hanwha Aerospace. “We selected the CTA International’s 40mm cannon because the range of ammunition available for this weapon provides the flexibility and the firepower that future operating environments will require.”
Hanwha Aerospace said its assessment of the weapon led it to partner with Lockheed Martin UK and integrate the turret onto the Redback hull. The resulting configuration brings together an in-service vehicle platform, mature turret technology and a medium-calibre weapon system already qualified for NATO use.
“We believe this combination offers NATO customers a low-risk, in-service platform that can be tailored to their specific needs,” Lee said. “In 2027, we plan to conduct live demonstrations in countries considering the introduction of next-generation IFVs, including Canada and Korea.”
The companies are positioning the vehicle for countries seeking to modernise cavalry and reconnaissance formations. Its modular architecture is intended to support changes in equipment and mission requirements without replacing the underlying platform.
“Decades of expertise in complex systems integration, and a proven pedigree in turret development, makes Lockheed Martin UK the partner of choice for Hanwha Aerospace’s IFV offering to the Canadian Army,” said Mark Langley, head of complex systems at Lockheed Martin UK. “This collaboration highlights the inherent versatility of our modular, platform-agnostic technology, which is designed to adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of modern warfare.”
“By integrating our British-built, digitally-enabled turret and SkyKeeper Command and Control system onto the Redback platform, we are providing customers with the option of a dual-role IFV and C-UAS capability, armed with a CTA International 40mm cannon,” Langley said. The companies plan to demonstrate the configuration in 2027 to potential customers considering new infantry fighting vehicles.
