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Peru to Modernize Armored Capabilities with Advanced South Korea K808 Wheeled Armored Vehicle.
On November 15, 2024, South Korean trading company STX Corp. officially announced the signing of a $60 million contract with the Peruvian Army Arsenal for the supply of 30 K808 White Tiger armored vehicles. The agreement, signed on November 16 in Lima, marks the first export of South Korean combat armored vehicles to Latin America.
Hyundai Rotem K808 White Tiger Combat Armored Vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Discussions for this agreement began several years ago, supported by South Korea’s sustained diplomatic efforts. In 2023, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol sent a letter to Peruvian President Dina Boluarte commemorating 60 years of bilateral relations and highlighting the potential for increased defense cooperation. Between 2023 and 2024, Peruvian military delegations visited South Korea to attend demonstrations showcasing the capabilities of the K808 in scenarios simulating mountainous operations and counter-terrorism missions.
The K808, also known as "Baekho" (White Tiger), was designed in 2003 and has since proven its reliability in the South Korean Army, with over 500 units delivered. Capable of overcoming obstacles 40 cm high, crossing 1.5-meter trenches, and navigating watercourses with its jet propulsion system, it is perfectly suited for Peru’s geographical challenges. Its Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) and advanced mobility features make it a key asset for Peru’s armed forces. This contract is part of a broader modernization program for Peru’s armored fleet, which currently relies on outdated main battle tanks such as the 1950s-era T-55 and AMX-13.
With this initial order, long-term prospects look promising. STX and Hyundai Rotem are already in talks for additional orders and expanded technical collaboration with FAME S.A.C., Peru’s state-owned weapons manufacturer. This partnership, which could extend over several years, strengthens South Korea’s strategic presence in Latin America’s defense market. A Hyundai Rotem representative affirmed the company’s commitment to leveraging its technological expertise to ensure the success of this collaboration and support Peru’s defense objectives in the coming years.
The partnership between Hyundai Rotem and FAME S.A.C. aims to establish a long-term collaboration, paving the way for future contracts and supporting Peru’s defense modernization efforts. This agreement also reinforces South Korea’s position as a competitive player in Latin America’s growing defense market, aligning with its global strategy for growth in the sector.
The Peruvian Army’s current armored fleet mainly comprises Soviet-era T-55 main battle tanks and French-made AMX-13 light tanks, totaling approximately 300 T-55s and 110 AMX-13s. Despite their durability, these vehicles, designed in the 1950s, are considered obsolete by modern standards, with limitations in protection, mobility, and firepower.
In addition to these tanks, the Peruvian Army uses armored personnel carriers (APCs) such as the American-made M113 and the German-made UR-416. The M113, introduced in the 1960s, is a tracked vehicle offering basic protection against small arms fire and shrapnel. The UR-416, developed in the 1960s, is a wheeled vehicle providing enhanced road mobility. However, these APCs offer limited protection and are less effective against contemporary threats.
For infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), Peru operates models such as the Soviet-designed BMP-1. The BMP-1, also developed in the 1960s, is equipped with a 73 mm cannon and an anti-tank missile launcher, but its armor and weapon systems are outdated by today’s standards.
This reliance on aging equipment underscores the need for the Peruvian Army to modernize its armored fleet to meet the demands of contemporary battlefields and provide better protection and operational efficiency for its troops.
A Hyundai Rotem representative emphasized the company’s commitment to the success of this agreement, highlighting the use of advanced technology and expertise to support Peru’s defense goals. This collaboration not only strengthens Hyundai Rotem’s global presence in the defense industry but also deepens the strategic ties between South Korea and Peru.