Hanwha and Lockheed Martin UK unveil a 40mm counter-drone Redback for NATO markets at DVD 2026

Hanwha Aerospace and Lockheed Martin UK revealed a new AS21 Redback configuration on September 16, 2026 at Defence Vehicle Dynamics in Millbrook, Bedfordshire. The vehicle carries a British-built turret with CTA International's 40mm Cased Telescoped Armament System and, for the first time inside a turret, Lockheed Martin UK's SkyKeeper counter-UAS command-and-control system, connected through the Generic Vehicle Architecture so new sensors and effectors can be added over the vehicle's life. With 40mm airburst ammunition the vehicle can engage small drones on its own, letting counter-drone protection move with tanks and mechanised infantry rather than relying on separate short-range air-defence units. The variant differs from the 30mm Spike-armed Redback chosen by Australia in 2023 and is aimed at NATO armies modernising armoured and reconnaissance formations; live demonstrations are planned for 2027 in Canada and South Korea.