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An unprecedented partnership between South Korea and a Latin American country promises to revolutionize the construction of submarines with cutting-edge technology
Brazil stands out in Latin America as one of the few countries with the capacity to design and build modern submarines, thanks to its technological development program and partnership with international naval powers. The Brazilian naval industrial base, led by the Brazilian Navy in conjunction with companies such as Itaguaí Construções Navais, has enabled the construction of conventional submarines and the development of the first Brazilian nuclear submarine, the Álvaro Alberto.
Meanwhile, another Latin American country is studying the development of modern submarines to modernize its naval fleet.
On the last day November 17th, 2024, the Presidential Palace of Lima was the scene of a milestone in bilateral relations between South Korea and Peru.
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte led an official summit that resulted in the adoption of a joint declaration and the signing of several MMemorandums of Understanding (MOUs), highlighting cooperation in naval defense as one of the main pillars.
The main agreement reached during the meeting is the development of a set of submarines, a project that leverages South Korea's advanced capabilities in naval engineering.
This agreement meets Peru's strategic interests in modernizing its naval fleet, strengthening its maritime capabilities in a context of growing geopolitical importance in the region.
Strategic collaboration on submarines
South Korea, with its consolidated experience in cutting-edge projects such as the KSS-III class submarines, will play a crucial role in providing tech and expertise for Peru.
The agreement provides for technology transfer, industrial cooperation and the possibility of greater interoperability between the naval forces of both countries.
Furthermore, the partnership is not limited to submarine development alone. The leaders also discussed plans to expand collaboration in surface combatant ship and logistics vessel designs, leveraging South Korea’s advanced shipbuilding industry to meet the needs of the Peruvian Navy.
History of naval cooperation beyond the submarines
The relationship between South Korea and Peru in the naval area is not new. Since 2013, the two countries have been working together on important projects.
One of the most notable examples was the construction of the BAP Pisco landing platform, the result of a collaboration between the Peruvian shipyard SIMA and Daesun Shipbuilding & Engineering of South Korea.
This partnership was expanded with the donation, by South Korea, of two Pohang-class corvettes: BAP Ferré, in 2016, and BAP Guise, in 2022. Such initiatives demonstrate the depth of the relationship between the two countries in the area of defense.
Most recently, in April 2024, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) secured a $463 million contract with SIMA Shipyard for the construction of four naval vessels. The project includes a 3.400-ton frigate, a 2.200-ton offshore patrol vessel and two 1.500-ton landing craft, with completion scheduled for 2029.
Strengthening strategic partnerships
The meeting between Yoon and Boluarte reinforces a trajectory of high-level cooperation. At the 2023 APEC summit, both leaders have already agreed to publicize ties in the defense sector, paving the way for even more ambitious collaborations.
With the recent agreements, South Korea reaffirms its position as a strategic partner for Peru in Latin America. The nations demonstrate that by combining resources and expertise, they can achieve breakthrough advances in their naval and defense capabilities.
Despite the satisfaction, the challenge remains of aligning schedules and coordinating the execution of projects efficiently. However, the long-term prospects are promising, with economic and military benefits for both countries.
This moment therefore represents a milestone in the history of bilateral relations, highlighting the importance of multilateral cooperation in an increasingly complex international scenario.
