Peru Locks In Korean K2 Tanks, K808 Armored Vehicles in Landmark Latin America Buy
South Korea has signed a framework agreement with Peru to export K2 Black Panther main battle tanks and K808 White Tiger armored personnel carriers, a step that Seoul says could become its largest ground equipment sale in Latin America and the first deployment of the K2 in the region.
The agreement outlines Peru’s plan to obtain 195 vehicles consisting of 54 K2 tanks and 141 K808 vehicles, in conjunction with Hyundai Rotem and Peru’s state-owned Army Weapons and Ammunition Factory.
Peruvian President José Jerí and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration Chief Lee Yong-chul attended the signing ceremony in Lima.
Officials did not confirm a price, though multiple South Korean media reports estimate a potential value exceeding 2 trillion won ($1.3 billion), with implementation of contracts expected to be finalized next year.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung welcomed the outcome and described Peru’s selection of East Asian equipment as part of its effort to strengthen military capability while developing local defense production.
“I expect this agreement to serve as an opportunity to significantly upgrade the two countries’ defense and arms industry cooperation,” Yonhap quoted Jae-myung as saying.
Eyeing Top Exporter Spot
The cooperation follows Poland’s $6.7-billion acquisition of K2 tanks earlier this year to strengthen its land forces amid the ongoing conflict between its neighbors, Ukraine and Russia.
This latest sale to a NATO member expands South Korea’s presence in new export markets, as the country seeks to broaden its reach beyond Europe and elevate its global position among defense suppliers.
Currently ranked as the 10th largest weapons exporter, South Korea aims to rise to 4th place by 2027, according to Bloomberg.
