Hyundai Rotem, a prominent South Korean defense manufacturer, is strategizing to establish a state-of-the-art assembly plant in Peru with a substantial investment of $270 million. This facility will focus on producing the K2 Black Panther tanks and K808 armored vehicles, reinforcing South Korea’s presence in the region’s defense sector.
The investment plan unfolds in a two-phase strategy outlined by Commander General Christian Kalinowski, who oversees the army’s logistics command. The first phase, set to begin between 2026 and 2028, involves importing vehicles for training purposes. Following this preparatory period, Hyundai Rotem plans to shift to domestic license-production in 2029, aiming for a noteworthy goal of incorporating 30 percent of local supplier content into their operations.
The K2 Black Panther, recognized as South Korea’s advanced main battle tank, is equipped with a powerful 120mm gun and exhibits high mobility, making it a formidable asset on the battlefield. On the other hand, the K808 is an 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle that serves multiple roles including troop transport and reconnaissance. Its design features modular armor and amphibious capabilities, showcasing versatility for various operational scenarios.
For Hyundai Rotem, this initiative not only signals a commitment to regional defense partnerships but also opens a strategic foothold in Latin America’s defense market. The company recently achieved preferred bidder status for a $60 million contract to deliver 30 K808 vehicles to Peru, further solidifying its role in the country’s military modernization efforts.
Peru is aggressively seeking partnerships with foreign defense companies to enhance its military capabilities and boost domestic production. In May 2024, Hyundai Rotem, in collaboration with consortium partner STX, secured a landmark agreement to supply K808 armored vehicles to Peru. This contract marks a significant milestone as Korea’s first major arms export to Latin America.
Building on this momentum, in July 2025, Hyundai Rotem reportedly obtained exclusive procurement rights within Lima’s ground weapons market through a cooperation agreement. This strategic positioning establishes the company as a key player for future imports of tanks and armored vehicles, setting the stage for deeper military collaboration between South Korea and Peru.
