Hyundai Rotem's K2 tank is shown on April 24 at the International Defense and Disaster Prevention Technology Exhibition in Lima, Peru. (Hyundai Rotem)

By Kim Seon Ah

The domestically developed K2 tank will be exported for the first time to Latin America.

Hyundai Rotem on Dec. 10 said it concluded a framework agreement in Lima, Peru, with the Peruvian Army and public defense company FAME S.A.C. (Army Weapons and Ammunition Factory) to supply the tanks and K808 wheeled armored vehicles.

Under the agreement, Hyundai Rotem will supply 54 K2 Black Panthers and 141 K808 White Tigers through future performance contracts. The general agreement also stipulates key details of this project such as items, quantities and budget.

A follow-up performance deal to launch the project is expected to see quick conclusion.

The deal is considered the first tangible result of stronger summit diplomacy and government-level support for defense industry cooperation thanks to this year's APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province.

During negotiations, relevant government branches such as the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense Acquisition Program Administration promoted the competitiveness of Korean equipment and provided institutional and diplomatic support.

Peru's military modernization policy seeks to strengthen its defense capabilities and technology. The Hyundai Rotem project is part of the Peruvian Army's plan to advance its ground equipment.

sofiakim218@korea.kr