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Hyundai Rotem Exhibits K808 APC Tailored for Peru at KADEX 2024.
The K808, an 8x8 wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) specifically designed to adapt to the rugged terrain and challenging paths of Peru, is being showcased at KADEX 2024 in South Korea, which runs from October 4 to 7. Designed for rapid deployment and reconnaissance missions, the K808 is capable of operating in a variety of terrains, including mountainous and riverine areas. This vehicle, manufactured by Hyundai Rotem, a South Korean company specializing in ground defense vehicles, demonstrates its ability to meet the demands of the most challenging environments, such as those in Peru, where it will soon be exported.
Hyundai Rotem 8X8 K808 Armored Personnel Carrier (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Once Hyundai Rotem signs a binding contract with FAME later this month, the Korean company will export an initial batch of 30 units of its K808 wheeled armored vehicles, worth about 60 million dollars, to Peru, with the possibility of delivering up to 120 additional units later. This would mark Hyundai Rotem’s first overseas exports of its wheeled armored vehicles, as well as Korea’s first armored vehicle sales to Latin America.
The K808 is an eight-wheeled infantry transport vehicle that replaces the K511A1, also known as the Army Truck, used by the Korean Army. Hyundai Rotem stated that its armored vehicles are well-suited to the rugged terrain and difficult paths of Peru, also known as the "Roof of South America." As a wheeled armored vehicle, its eight wheels are independently driven and suited for climbing hills and traversing rough terrain. The K808 can cross obstacles up to 40 centimeters high and navigate trenches up to 1.5 meters deep, with a water jet that allows it to easily cross shallow rivers, according to the company. Its tactical tires are equipped with an automatic air pressure adjustment system called CTIS.
In terms of protection, the K808 is designed to withstand small arms fire and artillery shell fragments. According to military sources, its frontal arc can withstand impacts from 12.7mm armor-piercing rounds. Additional armor can be installed to enhance the vehicle’s level of protection based on operational needs.
The K808 is powered by a turbocharged Hyundai diesel engine generating 420 horsepower, paired with an automatic transmission offering 7 forward gears and 1 reverse gear. It can reach a top speed of 100 km/h on roads and has a range of up to 800 km. Fully amphibious, the vehicle is equipped with two water jets, allowing it to travel at speeds of up to 8 km/h in water, making it particularly effective for amphibious operations.
Each soldier onboard the K808 is seated on blast-resistant seats that are not attached to the vehicle floor, providing better protection against landmine explosions. The vehicle is also equipped with a central tire inflation system, run-flat tires, and a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) protection system, ensuring the crew’s safety in the most hazardous environments.
In April of last year, the Peruvian Minister of Defense approved a budget for the purchase of armored vehicles. Under the latest agreement, Hyundai Rotem also has the right to supply the Peruvian Army with other types of maneuver systems, ranging from four and six-wheeled armored vehicles to light and heavy tactical vehicles.
STX will be responsible for delivering the armored vehicles manufactured by Hyundai Rotem to Peru. With this agreement, Hyundai Rotem also hopes to accelerate its breakthrough in the international defense systems market.
In December 2022, the company delivered 10 units of its next-generation K2 Black Panther combat tank to Poland, as part of its 3.4 billion dollar contract to export 180 K2 tanks to the country, marking Korea’s first export of combat tanks. Three months earlier, the company also entered into a strategic partnership with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS, Norway’s largest defense supplier, to jointly develop next-generation combat tanks.