An Iranian-backed hacking group has posted classified plans for Australia’s AS21 Redback infantry fighting vehicle online after cyberattacks on Israeli defense firms.
Called Cyber Toufan, the group shared 3D models, blueprints, and technical details on Telegram, saying the data came from 17 Israeli defense contractors accessed through supply chain company MAYA Technologies, which the hackers reportedly infiltrated over a year ago.
Canberra invested 7 billion Australian dollars ($4.5 billion) to build the Redback in 2023 to replace the aging M113AS4 armored personnel carriers.
The initiative covers a total of 129 vehicles, which are now being constructed in Geelong, southwest of Melbourne. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, with the full fleet to be shipped by the end of 2028.
Elbit, Rafael Targeted
Elbit Systems, an Israeli defense contracting giant based in Haifa supplying advanced turrets for the Redbacks under a separate 920-million Australian dollar ($601 million) deal, was among the breached companies.
Leaked files also revealed discussions on buying Israel’s Spike NLOS long-range anti-tank missiles, developed by Kiryat Bialik-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
“We, in Cyber Toufan, announce that we have hacked … companies that directly and indirectly serve the Zionist defence and military industries, and have obtained tens of terabytes of personal data, administrative and technical documents, audio calls, and video recordings of these criminals,” Cyber Daily quoted the group as saying.
The hackers also released images and security footage of MAYA staff and employees from Elbit and Rafael, claiming to have identified more than 60 people involved in weapons development.
“Some weapon designs that we received from MAYA, are manufactured in partnership with various countries and valued at hundreds millions of dollars, part of which has not been released yet,” Cyber Toufan added.
“We might leak some of it when needed… Stay tuned.”
‘No Apology’ in Collaboration
Israel’s role in the Redback program has faced criticism due to the country’s ongoing war in Gaza.
However, Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy has repeatedly stressed the importance of Israeli industry in Canberra’s homegrown capability programs.
“A couple of facts: first, we haven’t supplied weapons or ammunition to Israel for at least the last five years, and especially since the conflict with Gaza began,” Conroy said during a recent military tech convention.
“In terms of them supplying the [Australian Defence Force] … we make no apology for making sure that our soldiers, sailors and aviators have the best equipment to protect Australia’s interests, promote deterrence in our region, and that includes sourcing parts from companies throughout the world.”
