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K2 Main Battle Tank |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] SEOUL, Dec. 10 — South Korea’s K2 main battle tank is set to enter the Latin American market for the first time following a landmark defense agreement with Peru.
The Presidential Office announced on Tuesday that the two governments—along with South Korean defense contractors—signed a Framework Agreement under which Korea will supply ground combat equipment to the Peruvian Army. The agreement includes Peru’s planned acquisition of 54 K2 tanks and 141 wheeled armored vehicles, totaling 195 units.
If executed as planned, the deal would represent the largest export of ground equipment to a Latin American country in South Korea’s history, according to the Presidential Office.
The Office stated, “This marks the first time the K2 tank will expand beyond Europe into Latin America.”
President Lee Jae-myung welcomed the signing, saying, “I sincerely congratulate both sides on concluding this agreement. I expect this to mark a turning point that significantly elevates defense and security cooperation between our two countries.”
He added, “Peru has chosen Korea’s defense industry not only to strengthen its military capability but also to support its industrial advancement. Korea and Peru must develop a defense cooperation model that fosters mutual growth.”
The signing ceremony was held on December 9 (local time) under the leadership of Peruvian President José Geri. Director-General Lee Yong-chul of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) attended as the Korean government representative.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
