The Peruvian Army has signed a strategic agreement with Hyundai Rotem for the future acquisition of K2 combat tanks and K808 8×8 wheeled armored vehicles.
Specifically, 54 K2 Black Panther tanks and 141 K808 8×8 armored vehicles will be purchased.
The agreement includes technological cooperation, financing options, and the promotion of industrial projects related to the defense sector. This strengthens efforts to equip the country with modern and reliable resources that meet the security and defense needs of the 21st century.
K2 Black Panther
The K2 Black Panther is a third-generation South Korean Main Battle Tank. Its primary armament is a 120 mm smoothbore gun served by an automatic loader capable of using all the most recent types of ammunition.
The auxiliary armament consists of a 7.62 mm machine gun coaxial with the cannon and a heavy 12.7 mm (WKM) machine gun. The advanced fire control system of the tank ensures high shooting efficiency at long distances.
The armor of the K2 tank, even in the standard configuration, which can be further integrated with active protection systems such as soft kill (VIRSS) and hard kill (KAPS), ensures high ballistic and anti-mine resistance.
The engine is a diesel engine with power of 1500 HP coupled to an automatic transmission, which guarantees high speed and mobility on any terrain. The K2 is characterized by a relatively enclosed weight of 55 tons and the use of hydropneumatic suspensions.
K808
The K808 8×8 is a 20-tonne vehicle equipped with run-flat tyres that can continue to run even if punctured by a bullet. It also features an automatic air pressure control system (Central Tire Inflation System, CTIS) capable of adjusting it according to ground conditions.
Crossing rivers is also made possible through the application of a hydraulic propulsion device; the maximum speed achievable in water is 8 km/h; it is able to overcome longitudinal/lateral slopes respectively of 60% and 30%, vertical obstacles of 0.5 meters and can cross trenches of 1.5 meters.
Typically, the armament consists of a manual 12.7 mm heavy or 7.62 mm medium machine gun from a shielded position; optionally, the installation of a Remote Weapon Station that allows the gun to be managed from inside the vehicle without exposing the gunner is foreseen.
Source: Peru’s Ministry of Defense
