As part of the naval modernization process led by the Peruvian Navy, the state shipyard Servicios Industriales de la Marina (SIMA) and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) are set to take a new strategic step toward the joint development of a new generation of submarines. Within the framework of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 summit, to be held in Seoul from October 31 to November 1, both parties are expected to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) aimed at the co-development of the technical dossier for the future acquisition of submarine units.
The signing of this agreement was formally authorized through Ministerial Resolution No. 01375/2025-DE, which approved the trip of Rear Admiral Luis Richard Silva López, General Manager of SIMA Perú, to the Republic of Korea. This milestone will mark the beginning of a decisive technical phase to define the design guidelines and capabilities of the new Peruvian submarine, strengthening the partnership between the state-owned shipyard and the South Korean company.
The model envisioned as the basis for the project would be the HDS-1500, a 1,500-ton displacement submarine developed by HHI. With a length of 63 meters and a beam of 6.5 meters, the vessel would reach speeds exceeding 21 knots and feature state-of-the-art characteristics such as integrated masts, an “X”-shaped rudder, and an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, along with the potential integration of lithium-ion batteries. If the necessary funding is secured, construction could begin within four years, with the goal of gradually replacing the Navy’s Type 209/1100 Islay-class and 209/1200 Angamos-class submarines.
The agreement to be signed at APEC 2025 builds on a growing partnership. During SITDEF 2025, held in Lima, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SIMA Perú for the joint development of a 1,500-ton submarine, following up on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed during the APEC 2024 summit in Peru. That understanding established the technical and commercial foundation for long-term cooperation aimed at equipping the Peruvian Navy with next-generation submarine capabilities.
This strategic alliance combines HHI’s technological expertise — as a global leader in shipbuilding and naval defense systems — with Peru’s industrial capacity and its long-standing submarine tradition, the oldest in Latin America. In this context, SIMA has consolidated itself as a central actor in the renewal of the Peruvian fleet, driving the construction of offshore patrol vessels, logistic support ships, and, soon, a new multi-role frigate based on Hyundai Heavy Industries’ HDF-3200 design.
During the tenth edition of SITDEF, SIMA representatives emphasized that this cooperation is part of a “25-year project” that envisions the gradual construction of up to 23 ships, reflecting the Peruvian Navy’s long-term strategy to comprehensively modernize its naval power. They also highlighted that the partnership with HHI goes beyond shipbuilding, encompassing technology transfer, personnel training, and the strengthening of engineering and quality standards.
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