South Korea has signed agreements with Peru to bolster the Latin American nation’s multi-domain defense capabilities.
Signed during an Asia Pacific economic summit in Lima, the partnership incorporated separate memorandum of understanding (MoU) papers on the joint development of military vehicles, sub-surface vessels, and the production of fighter jet parts.
Black Panther Tanks, Wheeled Armored Vehicles
Several sources reported that the collaborations involve the acquisition, technical transfer, and manufacturing of K2 Black Panther main battle tanks and wheeled armored vehicles between Hyundai Rotem STX and the Peruvian Ministry of Defense’s Army Weapons and Ammunition Factory (FAME) segment.
This follows Hyundai’s contract in May to export up to 90 K808 White Tiger armored personnel carriers to the Peruvian Army until 2025.
Peruvian Navy Submarines
Another is a co-development of four submarines for the Peruvian Navy between Hyundai Heavy Industries and Peru’s state-owned Navy Industrial Services (SIMA) worth 640 billion won ($458.6 million).
It will be conducted in parallel with the construction of a frigate, an offshore patrol boat, two amphibious warfare ships, and four more undisclosed naval vessels for the South American country.
Boramae Jets, Mineral Supply Chain
Meanwhile, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and the Peruvian government’s aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul arm SEMAN will produce components for Seoul’s KF-21 Boramae combat aircraft.
Both countries also signed an MoU for the sharing of information between their respective mineral supply chains to support both their technological and geological efforts.
In July, Peru revealed its intent to purchase FA-50 Fighting Eagle light fighter jets from South Korea to increase its airborne defense assets.
The potential sale will cover up to 24 planes with an expected value of $780 million if approved.
