Seoul: South Korea has signed a framework agreement to export K2 tanks and K808 armored vehicles to Peru, the presidential office announced Wednesday. This agreement marks the potential first export of Korean tanks to Latin America if the deal is finalized.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Korean defense firm Hyundai Rotem signed the agreement with Peru's Army Weapons and Ammunition Factory. The deal involves exporting 54 K2 main battle tanks and 141 K808 wheeled armored vehicles by the following year. If the plan is successfully implemented, it would become South Korea's largest export of ground weapons systems to the Latin American region. The presidential office did not disclose the contract's financial details.

President Lee Jae Myung expressed his approval of the agreement, highlighting its potential to enhance the defense and arms industry cooperation between South Korea and Peru. "I expect this agreement to serve as an opportunity to significantly upgrade the two countries' defense and arms industry cooperation," he stated. President Lee emphasized that Peru's selection of the Korean weapons system is aimed at strengthening its military capabilities and developing its defense industry, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between the nations.

The signing ceremony took place in Peru on Tuesday (local time) and was attended by Peruvian President Jose Jeri and Lee Yong-chul, chief of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, who represented the Korean government.