SEOUL - South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem is moving forward with plans to establish an assembly facility in Peru for its K2 Black Panther main battle tanks and K808 wheeled armored vehicles, with an initial investment of approximately $270 million. The plant is part of a long-term strategy to support Peru’s armored forces modernization program, which aims to gradually replace older Soviet-era equipment with modern vehicles.
Under the proposed plan, Peru would initially import K2 tanks and K808 vehicles to gain operational experience before transitioning to local assembly and production. Over time, Peruvian companies are expected to be certified to supply key components and perform assembly, targeting around 30 percent local industrial participation, including welding, machining, and electrical and hydraulic systems.
The initiative represents a significant step in defense-industrial cooperation between South Korea and Peru, combining technology transfer, local workforce development, and regional presence in South America. For Peru, it offers an opportunity to build domestic capabilities in armored vehicle production, generate employment, and strengthen the local defense industry.
The project timeline includes an initial import phase of several years, followed by a longer-term assembly and production phase. Hyundai Rotem and Peruvian authorities are expected to finalize agreements detailing the plant’s location, local partners, and the structure of the supply chain. The success of the project will depend on the ability to achieve the planned local content, secure ongoing orders, and ensure a sustainable production and logistics framework.
This move highlights South Korea’s expanding role as a global defense supplier and reflects Peru’s efforts to enhance self-reliance in defense manufacturing while modernizing its armed forces.
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