Hanwha Aerospace will integrate Pearson Engineering’s combat dozer blades onto Australia’s next-generation infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), the Redback. The addition of the dozer blades to the front of the Redback is expected to enhance tactical mobility and maximize battlefield efficiency by enabling rapid route clearance.
According to Pearson Engineering on the 17th, the company has signed a contract with Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA), Hanwha Aerospace’s local subsidiary, to supply 131 combat dozer blades for integration into the Redback IFVs under the LAND 400 Phase 3 program.
As part of Australia’s Industry Content (AIC) program, Pearson will assemble a supplier team to provide manufacturing, hydraulic components, harnesses, assembly, and testing, localizing the front-end engineering (FEE) supply chain.
The combat dozer blades will be integrated into the Redback through Pearson’s vehicle interface kit. Mounted on the front of the vehicle, the blades will be used to clear battlefield obstacles, establish combat positions, remove debris, and perform limited earthworks. This will improve tactical mobility in rough terrain, enable rapid route clearance, and facilitate the preparation of defensive positions, enhancing overall battlefield efficiency and responsiveness.
Pearson’s combat dozer blades are also designed to adapt to the Redback’s mission requirements. Depending on operational needs, they can be swapped for mine-clearing systems, improvised explosive device (IED) countermeasure rollers, or surface clearance devices without additional mechanical design or intervention.
Pearson’s flexible approach, built into all its designs, provides high adaptability while supporting local supply chains through manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing (M-AIT) capabilities domestically and internationally. The company supplies combat dozer blades to various nations across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with each system tailored to specific vehicle characteristics and operational requirements.
Richard Beatson, Business Development Director at Pearson Engineering, stated, “This contract marks a significant milestone in our 20-year collaboration with the Australian Defence Force. By establishing M-AIT capabilities in Australia, we are not only enhancing the Australian Army’s effectiveness but also contributing to the growth of the national defense industry.”
The combat dozer blades were planned for integration from the Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) phase, the final testing and evaluation stage before HDA’s selection as the preferred bidder for Australia’s armored vehicle program. The RMA demonstrated the operational effectiveness and durability of Pearson’s blades in harsh environments, leading to their deployment.
HDA is now accelerating the timely delivery of the Redback by fostering partnerships with local defense companies.
The production and assembly of the Redback’s diesel engines will be handled by Penske Australia, a local heavy-duty diesel engine provider. Penske will supply 129 engines manufactured under a technology transfer agreement with STX Engine.
The vehicle hulls will be assembled by Elphinstone Pty Ltd. HDA signed a contract with Elphinstone late last month for hull assembly as part of the LAND 400 program.
LAND 400 is an initiative to replace the Australian Army’s aging M113 armored vehicles, introduced in the 1960s. In 2023, Hanwha Aerospace was selected as the preferred bidder over competitors such as General Dynamics’ Ajax, BAE Systems’ CV90, and Rheinmetall’s Lynx. The contract involves the supply of 129 vehicles, valued at over $2.2 billion.
