South Korea has signed a framework agreement with Peru to supply K2 Black Panther main battle tanks and K808 White Tiger armored personnel carriers—an export Seoul says could become its largest ground-systems deal in Latin America and mark the K2’s first entry into the region.
Under the agreement, Peru aims to acquire 195 vehicles, including 54 K2 tanks and 141 K808 APCs, in partnership with Hyundai Rotem and the state-owned Army Weapons and Ammunition Factory.
While officials have not disclosed the total cost, South Korean media estimate the deal could exceed 2 trillion won ($1.3 billion), with contract execution expected next year.
The cooperation follows Poland’s $6.7-billion purchase of K2 tanks earlier this year to bolster its land forces amid the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
This latest move extends South Korea’s defense footprint into new markets, as it seeks to expand beyond Europe and enhance its global standing as a major arms supplier.
Currently the world’s 10th-largest weapons exporter, South Korea aims to reach 4th place by 2027.
