Breaking into the weapons manufacturing industry can be daunting for any nation, as more than resources, expertise, technology, and financial backing are needed to guarantee success. South Korea has found several obstacles in its quest to emerge as a new global weapons leader capable of competing with American and European firms.

In 2009, the Asian nation poured millions of dollars into developing the K21 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, a next-generation infantry transport vehicle that met every single NATO requirement, sometimes even surpassing them.

Despite being called by some military analysts the most protective Infantry Fighting Vehicle in the world and arguably the best overall, South Korea struggled to sell the vehicle overseas, with most potential clients choosing American or German alternatives.

Even so, South Korea seized a new opportunity to showcase the might of its remarkable vehicle and submitted the design of a heavily modified K21 in 2019. Codenamed AS21 Redback, it would compete in the Australian Army's Land 400 Phase 3 IFV competition.

The international venture resulted in a mighty Infantry Fighting Vehicle that is as effective, lethal, and overwhelming as the Outback spider the vehicle is named after…