South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem to Build $270M Tank Plant in Peru
South Korean firm Hyundai Rotem is looking to establish a $270-million assembly plant in Peru for its K2 Black Panther tanks and K808 armored vehicles.
The investment plan has a two-phase strategy, according to Commander General Christian Kalinowski of the army’s logistics command. The first is to import for training from 2026-28, followed by 12 years of domestic license-production starting in 2029, with a target of 30 percent local supplier content.
The K2 Black Panther is South Korea’s advanced main battle tank, featuring a 120mm gun and high mobility. Meanwhile, the K808 is an 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle designed for troop transport and reconnaissance with modular armor and amphibious capability.
For Hyundai Rotem, the move opens a strategic foothold in Latin America’s defense market, where it recently secured preferred bidder status for a $60-million contract to deliver 30 K808 vehicles to Peru.
Peru’s Defense Partnerships With Foreign Firms
Peru is actively partnering with foreign defense companies to modernize its military and expand domestic production.
In May 2024, Hyundai Rotem and consortium partner STX secured a landmark deal to provide K808 armored vehicles to Peru, marking Korea’s first major arms export to Latin America.
In July 2025, Hyundai Rotem reportedly secured exclusive procurement rights in Lima’s ground weapons market under a cooperation agreement, positioning itself as the preferred channel for future tank and armored-vehicle imports.
