Hanwha Aerospace Reveals K-NIFV: The Next Generation Infantry Fighting Vehicle
At the recent ADEX exhibition, Hanwha Aerospace introduced the K-NIFV (Korean New Infantry Fighting Vehicle), a heavily localized adaptation of the Redback IFV, which has been awarded the Australian Army’s Land 400 Phase 3 contract. This unveiling marks a significant advancement from the initial model showcased two years prior, with extensive new details now available.
Positioned as a primary highlight among tracked vehicles, the K-NIFV is set to replace the aging K200/A1 armored personnel carrier currently in service with the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA). The prototype showcased retains the fundamental chassis configuration of the Redback yet integrates a multitude of South Korean systems, supplanting the original Israeli components.
Chassis and Protection Enhancements
A notable enhancement in the K-NIFV is its upgraded protection system. While the Redback is outfitted with a protective suite from Plasan, the K-NIFV employs a sophisticated mine protection kit developed in collaboration with South Korean partners, including Welcron. Key specifications have been retained from the Australian variant, with the K-NIFV combat weight reported at approximately 43 tons.
Under the hood, the K-NIFV features an advanced engine provided by STX, the 1,000 hp SMV 1000. This powertrain matches the output of the MTU engine used in the Redback while achieving an impressive power-to-weight ratio exceeding 23 hp/ton. Future iterations of the K-NIFV may explore hybrid powertrain options. The vehicle incorporates rubber tracks supplied by Canada’s Soucy.
Armament and Combat Capabilities
Replacing the Elbit two-man turret, Hanwha Aerospace has engineered a new turret design that accommodates ROKA’s preference for an unmanned structure. This modification significantly reduces the vehicle’s height and overall mass, creating additional space in the troop compartment. The primary armament consists of the SNT Dynamics 40 mm cannon, which fires cased telescoped ammunition manufactured by Poonsang; however, details regarding recent developments on both the cannon and ammunition were not accessible at ADEX 2025.
The turret also features twin missile launchers on both sides, with the right-side launcher elevated for demonstration purposes. The Hanwha Aerospace TApiers-L long-range anti-tank missile, capable of engaging threats at ranges of up to 8 km, replaces the Rafael Spike LR integrated in earlier designs. A remotely operated weapon station equipped with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun enhances close-in defense capabilities.
Active Protection Systems and Future Upgrades
With a strategic emphasis on counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), the K-NIFV includes radar systems as part of its forthcoming active protection system. This enhancement will enable both the 40 mm cannon and the 12.7 mm machine gun to effectively target incoming threats by supplying precise data to the fire control system. The status of C-UAS capabilities for Block 1 vehicles remains uncertain, with speculation about their inclusion in the future Block 2 variant.
On the turret’s rear, two trainable launchers equipped with missile tubes are integrated into the active protection system, developed by Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems. This system adopts a design parallel to the Elbit Systems Iron Fist, comprising four AESA radar antennas for comprehensive 360° monitoring, alongside electro-optical sensors for enhanced situational awareness.
Innovative Defensive Technologies
The K-NIFV’s active protection system incorporates a novel effector that consists of a steel cylinder housing an explosive charge. This design aims to mitigate the risk of collateral damage to both the vehicle and its turret-mounted systems. The APS has been successfully showcased on the K-NIFV prototype, with plans to incorporate additional defensive measures, such as a Direct Infrared Counter Measure (DIRCM) system, adapted from aerial platforms for ground use.
Hanwha reports that the APS is currently at Technology Readiness Level 6, with responsibilities divided among various Hanwha divisions for radar, system integration, and interceptor development. Full qualification of the system is projected within the next 18 months, with plans to officially unveil its name at KADEX 2026. The competitive pricing strategy is aimed at offering this technology at approximately 25% lower costs than comparable systems in the market.
Market Context and Future Prospects
The ROKA currently operates over 1,500 K200/A1 vehicles, many of which date back to the late 1980s. The K-NIFV is strategically aligned to potentially phase out these older units, although a recent upgrade initiative for the K200/A1 remains underway, involving Hanwha’s contributions.
The K-NIFV development initiative began in October 2024, backed by a contract valued at 34.5 billion won (approximately 200 million euros). While this funding appears modest, it reflects the project’s status as a derivative of the Redback, with numerous components sourced from existing programs. Collaboration with the Korea Research Institute of Defence Technology Planning and Advancement is integral to the 42-month project, which is expected to conclude by March 2028. There are ambitions for the Korean Defence Acquisition Program Administration to prioritize the K-NIFV within fast-track production schedules, targeting operational deployment by 2030.
Photos courtesy of Hanwha and P. Valpolini
