![]() Due to concerns over ‘spheres of influence’, the United States and the Soviet Union agreed to divide Korea into two occupation zones: the communist Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the US-backed Republic of Korea (South Korea).ĭue to Cold War tensions, the zones became two sovereign states, divided at the 38 th Parallel, in 1948. Korea had been a Japanese colony from 1910 to 1945, when it was liberated by Allied forces at the end of World War Two. Private Dennis Bradley of the 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, cleans his Lee Enfield Rifle (IWM MH 31591). But its origins lie in the Partition of Korea, which took place at the end of World War Two. Simon Stuart, pressed hard for the program to move ahead in an interview with The Weekend Australian newspaper here a few days before Land Forces started.The Korean War began on 25 th June 1950, when communist North Korea invaded South Korea. “If we cancel the IFV order, or delay it, do we want to put our troops in harm’s way by having them travel into a battle in a Bushmaster, or our old M113 armoured personnel carriers? … Personally, I’d much rather see our soldiers protected to the highest capability that we can, which is an infantry fighting vehicle.” An IFV is very heavily armoured, it gets soldiers into the fight next to the tanks, lets them get out safely, protects them while they’re demounted and then gets them back out of that battle in a very safe way,” he told the ABC. “It’s a piece of capability that the Australian Army has needed for an awfully long time. Of course, he is a member of the opposition party so his voice only carries so much weight. Liberal Senator David Van told the ABCthat he wants to see an award as soon as possible. There are also persistent reports that the size of the purchase may be whittled down to 300 from the original 450.Ī spokesperson for Defense Industry Minister Pat Conroy told the ABC: “We do not comment on cabinet processes.” The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that “military insiders” here fear the IFV decision may be delayed until then, but three sources at Land Forces 2022 said they were not sure if that was the case. The Labor government is pursuing a Defense Strategic Review to be completed in March. No source was able to provide a likely prognosis, a sign of how many moving parts there are in the decision. ![]() Once that recommendation is made, the National Security Committee of the cabinet will consider it - meaning a final decision may be some time in coming. ![]() The Ministry of Defense is now expected to make its recommendation to the government at the end of October, at the earliest, said one source familiar with the issue. The announcement was planned for September by the previous government, which was swept out of power in May’s election. Under that K9 agreement - known officially as the Land 8116 acquisition project - Hanwha Defense Australia will manufacture 30 Huntsman self-propelled guns and 15 AS10 armored ammunition resupply vehicles for delivery between 20 in Geelong.īut the decision on which company will supply the IFV may be delayed. ![]() Also, there is substantial commonality in parts between the K9, which Australia purchased for $1 billion AUD in December last year, and the Redback. South Korea, said one, is simply much closer to Australia and the company has already invested in a plant in Geelong, Victoria to build the K9 tracked howitzer. That comment was largely echoed by the others. RELATED: Poland’s massive tank, artillery and jet deal with S. “They don’t have it wrapped up, but I just don’t think Rheinmetall can overcome the supply chain advantages Hanwha has, combined with the big wins they’ve had recently selling to NATO countries like Poland,” one independent defense industry expert said, standing near the Hanwha display of its Redback offering. While both companies remain in the running, there is a growing sense that Hanwha has the edge over competitor Rheinmetall due to existing relationships between the South Korean firm and the Australian MoD. The new tracked vehicles, designed to carry six combat equipped soldiers, are armed with 30mm cannons, remote-controlled machine guns and antitank missile launchers. The IFV will replace the ancient M113s that Australia operates. However, the final decision appears to be facing delays, thanks to the shift in government that happened here earlier in the year. LAND FORCES 2022 - In seven interviews with defense and civilian experts during the Land Forces 2022 conference, the South Korean defense giant Hanwha was tipped as the likely winner of the biggest contract in the history of the Australian Army: the Infantry Fighting Vehicle deal, worth at least $18 billion AUD ($11.5 billion US). Hanwha Redback and Reinmetall Lynx Infantry Vehicle candidates in Australia.
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