SEOUL, November 18 (AJP) - The governments of Korea and Peru signed a series of memorandums of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation in the land, sea, and air sectors during the summit of their leaders at the Peruvian presidential palace.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte signed a joint declaration during their summit on Saturday, held alongside the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Lima. Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Minister Seok Jong-geon held separate talks with the Peruvian defense minister to discuss detailed cooperation plans across land, sea, and air sectors.
Hyundai Rotem has entered into a partnership with the Peruvian Army's logistics command to supply K2 tanks and wheeled armored vehicles. This preliminary deal sets the stage for future contracts by defining the project's overall scope and scale. Detailed provisions, including delivery timelines, technical specifications, training programs, and maintenance terms, will be finalized in subsequent agreements.
In the maritime sector, HD Hyundai signed an MOU with Peru's state-owned shipyard, SIMA, for joint submarine development. This MOU is part of the Peruvian Navy's plan to replace aging vessels, and the cooperation between the two companies is focused on securing contracts for submarine construction. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and SIMA will develop submarines tailored to the needs of the Peruvian Navy, with an emphasis on localization and industrial cooperation.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has partnered with SEMAN, Peru's state-owned aerospace company, to jointly produce components for the KF-21 fighter jet. The collaboration builds on a longstanding relationship that began in 2012, when Peru acquired 20 KT-1P training aircraft, 16 of which were assembled locally by SEMAN. The partnership will expand to include joint production of KF-21 components if Peru moves forward with purchasing the aircraft.
"The agreements signed between Peru and domestic defense companies lay the foundation for comprehensive, long-term defense cooperation across land, sea, and air. We expect this to expand defense cooperation in Latin America, with Peru serving as a key base," said DAPA Minister Seok Jong-gun.