Hanwha Selected Axalta for Redback Paint Partner
Hanwha Defence Australia has partnered with Axalta Coating Systems for the AS21 Redback vehicle programme.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Automotive — General
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Hanwha Defence Australia has selected Axalta Coating Systems as the official paint partner for the AS21 Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The partnership was celebrated on 6 October 2026 at the Land Forces Conference held in Perth.
Why it matters
The collaboration ensures that vehicles can withstand demanding operational environments for decades. By utilising specialist coatings, the partnership aims to keep long-term maintenance requirements for the fleet to a minimum.
The AS21 Redback is being acquired under the Land 400 Phase 3 programme. This follows the 2024 contract for the Huntsman family of vehicles, which is managed under the Land 8116 programme.
The players
Hanwha Defence Australia
This organisation is a major defence contractor responsible for the acquisition and production of armoured vehicles for the Australian military.
Axalta Coating Systems
This global company specialises in the development and manufacture of high-performance coatings for automotive and industrial applications.
The details
Axalta will provide military-grade coatings, specialist application training, and technical support to the in-house paint shop team at the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence. This support network extends across both Australia and Korea to ensure all technical standards are met.
Timeline
The contract for the Huntsman family of vehicles was signed in 2024.
The partnership milestone was celebrated on 6 October 2026 at the Land Forces Conference.
Roadmap
The selection of a long-term paint partner reflects the increasing emphasis on vehicle longevity and durability within modern defence procurement. This integration standardises supply chains across different vehicle families, ensuring consistency for the Australian Army fleet.
This partnership ensures that critical defence assets remain operationally ready with lower long-term maintenance burdens. It represents a commitment to supporting local defence industry standards through the specialist facility in Australia.
The takeaway
Reliable protective coatings are essential for the extended service life of military equipment in harsh environments. Implementing rigorous technical training and standardised applications helps reduce the total cost of ownership for the nation.
Further reading
For more on industry developments, visit the Automotive — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Australian Defence magazine.
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