HD Hyundai Heavy Industries expands into Latin America with Peruvian Warship Project.

According to a PR published by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries on January 12, 2025, the South Korean company has launched a project in Peru that represents a breakthrough for South Korea’s defense exports in Latin America. A steel-cutting and keel-laying ceremony was held at the state-run SIMA shipyard in Peru. The project includes the construction of four advanced vessels: frigates, offshore patrol vessels, and landing ships. The Peru Naval Project is part of a $480 million defense export deal signed in April 2024.
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Steel-cutting ceremony and keel-laying ceremony of the four warships. (Picture source: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries)

The Peru Naval Project also aligns with HD HHI’s broader "Pan-Pacific Belt Vision," which seeks to establish regional hubs in strategic markets such as Peru, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

The frigate is based on HD HHI’s HDF-3200 design, measuring 115 meters in length, 15 meters in width, and with a draft of 4 meters. It has a displacement of 3,100 tonnes and a maximum speed of 25 knots. The OPV follows the HDP-2200 design, at 94 meters in length, 14 meters in width, and a draft of 3.5 meters. It displaces 2,400 tonnes, can reach speeds of 22 knots, and is designed for maritime patrol and security missions.

Peruvian Navy

The surface fleet includes six Carvajal-class frigates, originally acquired from Italy in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which have undergone upgrades to maintain their operational relevance. It also includes six PR-72P-class corvettes and two Pohang-class corvettes, BAP Ferré and BAP Guise, acquired from South Korea in recent years. Amphibious capabilities are bolstered by the Makassar-class landing platform dock, BAP Pisco, which has proven essential for amphibious assaults and humanitarian assistance missions.

The submarine force is a cornerstone of the Navy, consisting of six Type 209 submarines sourced from Germany in the 1970s. These vessels, including the Type 209/1100 and Type 209/1200 variants, are undergoing modernization to enhance their operational capabilities and extend their service lives.

Naval aviation enhances the Navy's operational flexibility with a range of helicopters such as the Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite, Agusta-Bell AB-212ASW, and Sikorsky UH-3H Sea King, used for missions including anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and transport. Fixed-wing assets include the Fokker 60 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Beechcraft B200T Super King Air for surveillance and reconnaissance.

In April 2024, a contract was signed with South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and the state-owned shipyard SIMA for the construction of four new vessels, including a frigate, an offshore patrol vessel, and two landing craft units. This $463 million program is expected to modernize the fleet by 2030. Additionally, Kongsberg Maritime has been selected to provide propulsion systems for a new multipurpose frigate.