Hyundai Rotem Co., a leading South Korean manufacturer of defense equipment and locomotives, has edged closer to securing its first-ever export of wheeled armored vehicles. The company, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Co., announced on Thursday that it has been selected as the preferred bidder by the Fábrica de Armas y Municiones del Ejército (FAME SAC) to supply the Peruvian Army with its advanced K808 wheeled armored vehicles.
FAME SAC, a state-owned Peruvian company under the Ministry of Defense, specializes in the production of weapons and ammunition. This deal marks a significant milestone not only for Hyundai Rotem but also as Korea’s first armored vehicle export to Latin America.
Hyundai Rotem is poised to finalize a binding contract with FAME SAC later this month. The agreement will initially see the export of 30 units worth approximately $60 million, with the potential to supply up to 120 units subsequently.
The K808, an eight-wheeled infantry transport vehicle, is designed to replace the older K511A1 models, enhancing the Korean Army’s core maneuver warfare capabilities. Adapted for Peru’s challenging terrain, the K808 boasts independent wheel drive suitable for rugged landscapes and can overcome obstacles up to 40 centimeters high and navigate trenches up to 1.5 meters deep. It is also equipped with a water jet for river crossings and features tactical tires with an automatic air pressure adjustment system (CTIS), ensuring optimal performance under diverse conditions.
This prospective deal is seen as a gateway for Hyundai Rotem to unlock further opportunities in Latin America, where there is a rising demand for armored vehicles amid increasing security concerns.
The strategic significance of this contract extends beyond vehicle supply; Hyundai Rotem is also granted the rights to provide the Peruvian Army with a broader range of maneuvering systems, including four and six-wheeled armored vehicles and various tactical vehicles.
This contract with Peru follows Hyundai Rotem’s recent success in the international defense market, including the delivery of the K2 Black Panther tanks to Poland and a partnership with Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS for developing next-generation battle tanks.
