Canberra: Hanwha Aerospace Co., a leading defense firm from South Korea, has granted a $71 million contract to Electro Optic Systems (EOS) Ltd. of Australia. The contract is to supply remote weapons system (RWS) units for Canberra's upcoming infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) program.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the agreement is with Hanwha Defence Australia, a subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace. EOS will provide enhanced R400 RWS units that are specifically designed to meet the operational requirements of the Australian Army.
The production of these systems will take place at EOS' facility in Canberra, with support from a local supply chain comprising more than 100 Australian companies.
This multi-year deal is part of the Australian Defence Force's project to procure 129 AS21 Redback IFVs, which are part of Hanwha's advanced combat vehicle platform.
The EOS system is currently in use by militaries in Australia, North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The company has sold over 2,500 units globally, with more than 700 either delivered or contracted for delivery to the Australian Army.
EOS Chief Executive Officer Andreas Schwer remarked, "This contract is a win for Australian industry, and we are delighted to be working with Hanwha Defence Australia on this critical project for Army."