The state government of Victoria, Australia, is funding local defense companies to join the supply chain of Hanwha Aerospace, a leading South Korean defense and aerospace company, aiming to boost regional industry involvement in the production of self-propelled howitzers and Redback armored vehicles.
Hanwha Aerospace, a major South Korean defense manufacturer, is expanding its footprint in Australia with strong backing from the Victoria state government. On August 11, Victorian Minister for Industry and Manufacturing Colin Brooks visited Hanwha’s Geelong-based Australian plant, H-ACE, to announce Round 5 of the Supply Chain Uplift Program (SCUP).
SCUP is designed to help local defense firms build the capabilities needed to enter Hanwha’s global supply chain. In its fifth round, the Victorian government awarded over $794,000 in grants to 11 local companies, supporting upgrades in areas such as certification, facility improvements, and product development.
Recipients include Blueroom Simulations, a military simulator developer, and Lunar Outpost, which also participated in Australia’s first lunar mission. Other grant recipients span key sectors such as precision machining and training services, all vital to Hanwha’s supply chain integration.
Hanwha Aerospace is leveraging this support to strengthen its local manufacturing base and enhance collaboration with Australian companies. In 2021, the company secured a contract to supply 30 AS9 self-propelled howitzers-an Australian variant of its K9-and 15 AS10 armored resupply vehicles. This was followed by a 2023 contract for 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles.
These vehicles will be manufactured at Hanwha’s Australian facility, which was completed in August 2023. Production of Redback prototypes is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with full-scale manufacturing of the AS9 and AS10 systems expected to follow, delivering to the Australian Army by 2027.
“We’re committed to making Victoria a powerhouse in defense and aerospace,” said Minister Brooks. “SCUP is a key part of that vision, helping local manufacturers secure major defense contracts while driving job creation and economic growth.”
