South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed an agreement with Peru’s state-owned shipbuilder SIMA to jointly develop a 1,500-ton submarine for the Peruvian Navy.
The project aims to replace Peru’s aging submarine fleet with a new medium-sized vessel based on HD Hyundai’s HDS-1500 design, as part of the country’s broader maritime modernization program.
Lima’s submarine fleet currently includes six German-built Type 209 submarines, with two Type 209/1100s and four Type 209/1200s commissioned between the 1970s and 1980s.
These diesel-electric submarines have served as the core of Peru’s undersea capabilities for more than four decades.
Peruvian Navy Modernization
The Latin American nation is moving to upgrade its naval forces’ equipment through expanded collaboration with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries as a crucial partner.
The recent deal builds on a previous agreement between the South Korean firm and Peru to co-develop four submarines for the Peruvian Navy.
Moreover, under a $462.9-million contract signed last year, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries recently began building ships for Peru’s Warship Project at SIMA’s Callao shipyard near Lima.
The initiative is part of Lima’s broader effort to renew its combat fleet, including a frigate, an offshore patrol vessel, and two amphibious landing craft.
“HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is expanding its cooperative relationship from surface vessels to submarines based on a long-term partnership with the Peruvian Navy,” said Joo Wonho, Head of the Naval & Special Ship Business Unit at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.