Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicles

Korean defense companies entered the second half of 2026 in an all-out push for large overseas orders beyond Europe, with 2026 exports projected to reach a record ~$37.7 billion (KRW 56 trillion). Hanwha is pursuing a Saudi Arabian package worth up to KRW 20 trillion bundling the K9 self-propelled howitzer, Redback IFV, Tigon wheeled armored vehicle, and Cheongeom air-to-ground missile. KAI is negotiating an FA-50 sale to Egypt worth roughly KRW 2 trillion with a contract targeted within 2026, while Hyundai Rotem awaits K2 decisions from Iraq, Romania, and Morocco. The pipeline shifts K-defense's center of gravity from the Poland-led European boom toward the Middle East, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.

Hanwha Aerospace announced the first export sale of its Tigon 6x6 armored personnel carrier during the World Defense Show 2026, marking the platform's entry into the international market. The buyer was not disclosed.

Australia has selected the Hanwha AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicle for its Land 400 Phase 3 program, beating the Rheinmetall Lynx KF41. The program, valued at between AU$5 billion and AU$7 billion, covers 129 vehicles to be manufactured in Geelong, Victoria.

Hanwha Defense Australia has broken ground on its new armored vehicle manufacturing facility at Avalon Airport in Greater Geelong, Victoria, which will produce the AS9 Huntsman SPH and AS10 armoured ammunition resupply vehicle for the Australian Defence Force.