Peru has taken a major step toward strengthening its defense manufacturing capacity by opening a new assembly line dedicated to South Korean armored vehicles. The facility, located at the state-owned FAME S.A.C., will produce K808 8×8 armored personnel carriers and Kia Light Tactical Vehicles under a licensed production agreement announced on 13 November 2025.
President José Jerí, speaking at the inauguration event under the motto “Produce in Peru to serve Peru”, emphasized that the locally assembled K808s, KLTVs, as well as newly produced ambulances and patrol vehicles, form the foundation of a long-term plan to reduce foreign dependency and modernize the Peruvian Army. According to Jerí, the project will help cultivate skilled jobs and ensure Peru can support its own armored fleet during natural disasters, internal security missions, and national defense operations.
The cooperation program with South Korean partners—primarily Hyundai Rotem and Kia Motors—relies on assembling imported kits while gradually expanding local production of subcomponents. This phased approach aims to build a sustainable maintenance and manufacturing ecosystem capable of supporting the K808 fleet for decades, including hull repair, powerpack overhauls, and the integration of communication systems and mission packages for police and military units.
The modernization push comes as Peru continues to operate outdated Cold War–era vehicles, including T-55 and AMX-13 tanks and older APCs such as the M113 and UR-416. The adoption of the K808 platform reflects the military’s intention to standardize future wheeled mobility and transition toward a shared digital architecture within a limited budget.
The K808, developed by Hyundai Rotem in the 2010s, weighs around 20 tons and features a front-engine layout with space for up to ten troops in the rear. Powered by a 420 hp diesel engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle can reach speeds of nearly 100 km/h and travel up to 800 km. Its hydropneumatic suspension, central tire inflation system, and amphibious water-jet propulsion give it high mobility on rough terrain and along riverine routes—an asset for Peru’s diverse geography.
Protection levels allow the APC to withstand 12.7 mm armor-piercing rounds on the frontal arc, with additional armor options available. The K808 can be fitted with heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, or remote-controlled weapon stations depending on customer needs.
The Kia Light Tactical Vehicle, intended as a modern replacement for legacy South Korean utility trucks, brings STANAG 4569 Level 2–3 ballistic protection, blast-attenuating seats, and a reinforced underbody. Its 225 hp diesel V6 engine allows speeds up to 130 km/h, and the armored variant carries up to seven fully equipped soldiers.
Both platforms are designed for digital integration and can connect to encrypted C2 networks and blue-force tracking systems, enhancing situational awareness and joint operations. The degree to which this capability will be implemented in Peru depends on future defense communication infrastructure choices.
The establishment of this assembly line marks the first long-term industrial footprint of South Korean wheeled armored vehicles in Latin America. As Seoul expands its defense partnerships with countries such as Poland, the Philippines, and several African states, Peru becomes a regional example of cost-effective modernization supported by technology transfer. Successful implementation could reshape the Peruvian Army’s armored capabilities and strengthen interoperability with international partners.
