Peru and South Korea have moved closer to a significant defense procurement collaboration with the signing of a framework agreement for K2 Black Panther tanks and K808 White Tiger armored vehicles. The partnership could evolve into South Korea’s largest armored vehicle export in Latin American history. Under the agreement, Peru plans to acquire 195 vehicles—54 K2 tanks and 141 K808 APCs—produced jointly by Hyundai Rotem and Peru’s military industry. Though the full contract value has not been disclosed, Korean reports project it at more than 2 trillion won ($1.3 billion). Negotiations and contract execution are expected to be finalized next year. This development builds on South Korea’s growing prominence as an international defense supplier, highlighted by Poland’s $6.7-billion purchase of K2 tanks earlier this year. Seoul sees Latin America as a strategic market as it seeks to rise from the world’s 10th largest arms exporter to 4th by 2027. For Peru, the acquisition strengthens ground combat capabilities and introduces modern armored solutions that align with global standards for mobility, protection, and firepower. The framework also enhances defense-industrial cooperation between the nations.
