Advanced Navigation teams with Hanwha for infantry fighting vehicles

Positioning and navigation manufacturer Advanced Navigation has finalised an $8.7 million deal with Hanwha Defence Australia (HDA) for its Redback infantry fighting vehicles.

Under the deal, Advanced Navigation will supply HDA with 138 Boreas D70 strategic-grade digital fibre-optic gyroscope (DFOG) inertial navigation systems (INS), as part of the LAND 400 Phase 3 programme.

The technology is particularly valuable in contested environments where the accuracy or availability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) cannot be guaranteed.

In such situations, inertial navigation becomes the sole source for directional guidance, providing vehicles with the independent control, situational awareness and positioning critical to staying operational.

Advanced Navigation CEO Chris Shaw said: “As GNSS spoofing grows increasingly prevalent in conflict zones, Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems have never been more vital for national security.

“With sovereign control over this critical technology, nations ensure reliable decision-making, strategic autonomy, and heightened combat efficiency in the face of emerging threats and security concerns.”

The $7 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 programme will see HDA deliver 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles providing high-level protection and mobility for soldiers.

The integration of Advanced Navigation’s INS enables these vehicles to achieve unprecedented levels of autonomy and resilience without the aid of GNSS, according to a statement from Hanwha.

NSW based Advanced Navigation is one of only four companies in the world to manufacture strategic-grade FOG components.

The company boasts all phases of photonics and DFOG development – from design and quality testing to automated manufacturing.

“This deal underscores our commitment to retaining critical technology within allied nations, and strengthening Hanwha’s ties with the Australian defence industry,” an HDA spokesperson said.

Picture: Hanwha Defence Australia/Boreas D70 Boreas: strategic-grade digital fibre-optic gyroscope (DFOG) inertial navigation system (INS)