Seoul, 10 December (H.S.): South Korea and Peru have signed a landmark framework agreement paving the way for a major defense export deal involving K2 main battle tanks and armored vehicles, Seoul’s presidential office announced Tuesday.

Under the agreement, Peru will acquire a total of 195 pieces of ground equipment — including 54 K2 main battle tanks and 141 wheeled armored vehicles — through cooperation involving the Peruvian Army, South Korean defense manufacturers, and Peru’s state-owned defense enterprise.

The deal, witnessed by Peruvian President Dina Boluarte at a signing ceremony in Lima and attended by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration chief, sets the foundation for final contract implementation expected next year. If concluded, this agreement would mark South Korea’s first-ever export of K2 tanks to Latin America, further expanding the nation’s global defense footprint beyond Europe.

Officials in Seoul hailed the pact as a “critical milestone” that could foster long-term defense and industrial cooperation between the two nations. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung emphasized that the partnership not only strengthens Peru’s military capabilities but also supports its domestic defense industry.“

As Peru has chosen K-defense to bolster both its national security and industrial competitiveness, our countries must deepen a defense-industry partnership that delivers shared benefits,” President Lee said in a statement released after the signing.

The accord is part of Seoul’s broader strategy to enhance global defense exports and diversify partnerships across emerging markets. Negotiations on implementation details are expected to continue through early 2026.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar