The Government of Peru and the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem signed a framework agreement for the future acquisition of K2 Black Panther tanks and K808 White Tiger 8×8 wheeled armored combat vehicles (VCBR) intended to equip the Peruvian Army. The agreement, signed between Hyundai Rotem and the Army Weapons and Ammunition Factory (FAME SAC), includes the export of 54 tanks and 141 wheeled armored vehicles starting next year, according to the South Korean presidential office.
The signing of the agreement took place in Lima during a ceremony led by Peruvian President José Enrique Jerí Oré. Lee Yong-chul, head of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), also attended, along with various Peruvian authorities, including the President of Congress, Fernando Rospigliosi Capurro; the President of the Council of Ministers, Ernesto Álvarez Miranda; the Minister of Defense, César Díaz Peche; the head of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, Army General David Guillermo Ojeda Parra; and the Commander General of the Army, Army General César Briceño Valdivia.
If finalized, this operation would become the largest export of South Korean armored combat vehicles to a Latin American country. The South Korean presidential office did not specify the total value of the contract.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung highlighted the importance of the agreement and stated that he hopes it “will serve as an opportunity to significantly promote cooperation in the defense and weapons industry.” He also said that Peru selected these systems to strengthen its military capabilities and advance the development of its defense industry, expressing the intention to establish “a mutually beneficial partnership.”
Background and selection process
The Peruvian decision is part of the modernization of its armored cavalry. In November 2024, the Peruvian Army selected the K2 Black Panther as its preferred option to replace the T-55 tanks that remain in service. That same month, FAME SAC and Hyundai Rotem signed the “General Agreement on Cooperation in Land Equipment,” aimed at establishing the foundations for the future provision of K2 tanks and wheeled armored vehicles.
Peru’s interest in the K2 Black Panther was reinforced during SITDEF 2025, where the tank was displayed as part of the South Korean company’s exhibition. Actors involved in the process indicated that one of the priorities for the Peruvian Army would be local participation in component manufacturing in order to facilitate long-term logistics and maintenance.
Regarding wheeled armored combat vehicles, in May 2024 the Peruvian Army selected the K808 White Tiger as its future 8×8 VCBR after evaluating different proposals, including the Turkish PARS 8×8 model by FNSS. The decision enabled negotiations to begin for a contract estimated at around USD 60 million. The operation was backed by Supreme Decree No. 007-2023-DE, which authorized the acquisition of 30 8×8 vehicles under a State-to-State framework.
Industrial projection and technological cooperation
Arévalo explained that the proposal is part of a “15-year plan,” aimed at developing a national production chain for armored vehicles. According to his explanation, “during the first 3 years, the idea is to begin with imports that allow us to receive training in the operation and maintenance of our 8×8 vehicles and our main battle tanks.”
The recently signed agreement expands these guidelines by including technological cooperation, financing mechanisms, and the promotion of industrial projects related to the defense sector. Peruvian authorities stated that these initiatives will help equip the country with capabilities that meet current security requirements.
The signing of the agreement between Peru and South Korea represents a concrete step in the modernization of the Peruvian Army and opens a new phase of bilateral cooperation in defense, with industrial and technological projection for the coming years.
*Images for illustrative purposes only.
*Translated by Constanza Matteo
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