As part of the Peruvian Army’s modernization strategy and the strengthening of the national defense industry, South Korean company Hyundai Rotem plans to establish an assembly plant for K2 Black Panther tanks and K808 White Tiger armored vehicles in Peru. The announcement was made during the forum “The Defense Industry as a State Policy”, where Brigadier General Jorge Christian Arévalo Kalinowski, Commander General of the Army’s Logistics Command and member of the board of FAME S.A.C., confirmed that the South Korean company plans an initial investment of USD 270 million for the construction of the industrial complex.
During his presentation, Arévalo Kalinowski explained that this initiative is part of a 15-year development plan aimed at consolidating a national production chain for armored vehicles and main battle tanks. In this regard, he detailed that “the proposal is a 15-year plan, and during the first three years, the idea is to begin with imports that allow us to be trained in the operation and maintenance of our 8×8 vehicles and our main battle tanks.”
The general added that “for 12 years, at an approximate cost of USD 360 million per year, we would continue production through national assembly,” as Peruvian companies become certified to provide services and components. The goal is to progressively achieve 30% local industrial participation, leveraging existing capabilities in welding, machining, electrical, and hydraulic systems. In Arévalo’s own words, “Hyundai Rotem, during its first visit, came to see what the capabilities of our national industry were and found that we have capacities in welding, machining, electrical parts, mechanized production lines, hydraulic parts — meaning we have the capacity to reach 30%.”
The project follows Peru’s progress in acquiring 30 K808 White Tiger amphibious armored vehicles, a deal confirmed in November 2024. This program is being carried out through FAME S.A.C., a Peruvian state-owned defense company, in strategic partnership with Hyundai Rotem. The process, which was excluded from the General List of Strategic Procurements managed by the Armed Forces Procurement Agency (ACFFAA), provides for the local assembly of the vehicles — marking a milestone in the technological autonomy of the Peruvian Armed Forces.
In addition to the 8×8 armored vehicles, the Peruvian Army has selected the K2 Black Panther as its future main battle tank to replace its aging T-55 fleet. The decision was announced in May 2024, following a technical evaluation and demonstration process that later included the public display of both models at the International Defense and Disaster Prevention Technology Exhibition (SITDEF 2025) held in Lima. During the event, Hyundai Rotem showcased the K2 and K808 before defense authorities and experts, in a clear sign of South Korea’s commitment to strengthening Peru’s defense capabilities.
The K2 Black Panther stands out for its advanced technology and high mobility. It is powered by a Hyundai Doosan Infracore DV27K 12-cylinder diesel engine producing 1,500 horsepower, paired with an SNT Dynamics EST15K transmission, allowing speeds of up to 70 km/h. Its Hyundai WIA CN08 L55 120 mm gun and automated fire control system place it among the most advanced tanks in the world. Meanwhile, the K808 White Tiger, powered by a 420 HP HMC engine, can reach 100 km/h on land and 8 km/h in water, offering excellent versatility for transport and reconnaissance missions.
If Hyundai Rotem’s plan materializes, Peru will not only incorporate state-of-the-art combat systems but also establish a regional precedent in technological transfer and military co-production, consolidating its role as an emerging hub in South America’s defense industry.
Images for illustrative purposes only.
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