jasdooit

The K2 tanks (54 units) and K808 tracked armored vehicles are set to be sent to Peru.

The Office of the President stated on the 10th that a Framework Agreement has been finalized to deliver a total of 195 ground systems, comprising 54 K2 tanks and 141 wheeled armored vehicles, to Peru. The export volume, which may be adjusted based on further discussions, is estimated at about 2 billion dollars (roughly 2.9 trillion South Korean won). Should this deal proceed, it would mark the biggest defense export in South Korea’s history to the Latin American region.

The Office of the President said, “We plan to finalize an implementation agreement by next year,” and noted, “If the implementation contract is completed successfully, it will represent the first instance of K2 tanks being deployed outside of Europe into the Latin American region.”

The formalization of the Framework Agreement concerning tanks and armored vehicles took place at the Peruvian Army Headquarters in Lima, Peru, on the 9th (local time), with participation from Peruvian President Jose Jeri and Lee Yong-chul, head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Officials from the Peruvian Army, which is the purchasing entity for the K2 tank and K808 wheeled armored vehicle project, along with Hyundai Rotem, the producer, signed the agreement.

President Lee Jae-myung stated, “I deeply congratulate the signing of the Framework Agreement regarding ground equipment with Peru, and I hope it will act as a chance to enhance defense and arms collaboration between the two nations.” He further mentioned, “Since Peru has selected K-defense to boost its military strength and support its own industrial growth, we need to establish a defense cooperation model that benefits both countries.”

The Framework Agreement reportedly saw increased progress when Peru officially invited a South Korean government delegation to celebrate its Army Day (December 9th). A government official said, “Even though DAPA Minister Lee left on the 6th as the head of the delegation, the outcome was uncertain,” and noted, “Discussions moved quickly after they arrived locally.” Prior to and following the signing ceremony, Lee expressed the South Korean government’s commitment to actively assist in finalizing the implementation contract during meetings with the Peruvian president, defense minister, and army chief.

Peru is reportedly looking into strategies to obtain K2 tanks and K808 armored vehicles as part of its efforts to upgrade its army’s ground equipment. Additionally, it is said to be exploring the possibility of producing K2 tanks locally through a partnership with Hyundai Rotem.