Peru confirms acquisition of 30 South Korean K808 White Tiger amphibious armored vehicles.

As reported by InfoDefensa on November 11, 2024, the Peruvian government has confirmed a purchase of 30 K808 White Tiger amphibious armored vehicles for the Army, to be managed directly through FAME S.A.C., a state-owned entity within Peru’s defense sector. This acquisition is part of a strategic partnership with South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Rotem, which will oversee the local assembly of these 8×8 wheeled vehicles in Peru. The move reflects an effort to boost Peru's defense autonomy by relying on FAME for the K808’s procurement and future maintenance, rather than using an external supply chain.
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The recent Peruvian acquisition marks Hyundai Rotem’s first export of the K808 outside of South Korea and introduces the vehicle into the Latin American defense market. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

To facilitate this acquisition, the government excluded it from the General List of Strategic Contracts administered by the Agency of Armed Forces Purchases (Acffaa). The process also circumvents the need for a government-to-government agreement with South Korea, as FAME has been assigned the full responsibility for supply. Consequently, the Ministry of Defense’s authorization for an international agreement was retracted. This project adds to FAME’s existing commitments, including an overdue delivery of 10,000 ARAD 7 rifles to the Army.

These K808 armored vehicles are intended for the Army’s 3rd and 6th Armored Brigades. Their acquisition aligns with the Public Investment Project (PIP) framework, specifically under the “Acquisition of 30 armored vehicles for troop transport” directive. This initiative was previously structured under Supreme Decree No. 007-2023-DE, which authorized government-to-government defense contracts valued at approximately $62.9 million, or 238.8 million Peruvian soles. The current approach, however, consolidates the acquisition under domestic management, thereby reinforcing the defense relationship between Peru and South Korea.

The K808 White Tiger, referred to as Baekho in South Korea, is an armored vehicle developed by Hyundai Rotem primarily for the South Korean Army. First delivered in 2016, the K808 was designed for use in difficult terrains and frontline operations. Its 8×8 configuration enhances maneuverability, with run-flat tires and a central tire inflation system (CTIS) to adjust tire pressure according to the terrain, which is essential for crossing rivers and uneven ground. Built with a modular platform, the K808 can be adapted for different missions and is compatible with various weapons systems, including options for 12.7 mm or 30 mm remote-controlled weapon stations.

In South Korea, over 500 units of the K808 have been delivered to the Army, where the vehicle is used for transport and reconnaissance missions, often in coordination with main battle tanks like the K1A1 and K2. The recent Peruvian acquisition marks Hyundai Rotem’s first export of the K808 outside of South Korea and introduces the vehicle into the Latin American defense market. Demand for similar vehicles in Central and South America is on the rise, attributed to security and counterterrorism requirements, positioning Hyundai Rotem to potentially expand further in the region.

The K808 incorporates components developed by Hyundai Motors, such as a V6 diesel engine based on Hyundai’s commercial models, adapted to military specifications. Its design supports network-based command and control systems, enabling it to serve as a command post in mobile operations. Hyundai Rotem, having previously exported its K2 tank to Poland, continues to enhance its defense product line for broader export markets, with an emphasis on meeting operational standards across varied environments.

Peru and South Korea have significantly strengthened their military relations through various defense agreements and acquisitions in the last months. In April 2024, Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a contract to construct four naval vessels for the Peruvian Navy, including a 3,400-ton frigate modeled after South Korea's Daegu-class, with expected delivery by 2030. In May 2024, Hyundai Rotem was selected to supply K808 White Tiger 8×8 wheeled armored combat vehicles to enhance the Peruvian Army's ground mobility and defense capabilities. Additionally, in July 2024, Peru entered advanced negotiations with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to acquire 20 to 24 FA-50 light combat aircraft to modernize its air force.