Defence in brief: Combat Dozer Blade contracted for Australian Redbacks

Pearson Engineering has won a contract to supply 131 of its Combat Dozer Blade for Australia’s Redback infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) under the Land 400 Phase 3 programme, according to a 7th April press release. The contract was placed by Hanwha following risk mitigation activity in Australia proving the functionality of the dozer blade. 

Pearson is working to localise production of the front end equipment for the dozer blade and it will be integrated onto the Redback using the Pearson Engineering Vehicle Interface Kit, which also enables other combat engineering systems like a mine plough or roller as required. 

“It [the contract] builds on the in-country integration, training and support that we are providing as part of the LAND 907 program for both the M1 Main Battle Tank and Combat Engineering Vehicle,” Pearson Engineering Business Development Director, Richard Beatson said.

The Combat Dozer Blade is operationally proven and equips many other vehicle fleets around the world. It is a lightweight but robust design meaning it can be fitted to wheeled vehicles as well as tanks, both with obviously very different carrying capacities. The same blade was recently contracted for Poland’s M1A2s. 

Calibre comment

Australia selected the Redback IFV from Hanwha to provide its next generation IFV, it will serve alongside a fleet of wheeled Boxer 8x8s, the M1A2 Sep V3 main battle tanks and M142 HIMARS launchers firing the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) from the US, as well as the A9 Huntsman, an Australian derivative of the Hanwha K9 self-propelled howitzer. The modernisation will ensure the Australian Defence Forces are equipped to defend the country’s shores and respond to global challenges. The engineering equipment provided by Pearson will also be important as the ADF will likely have to move long distances at short notice and may not be able to take engineering equipment with it. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on 7th April, 2025.