HD HHI Press Release, Translated by Naval News
The beginning of 2025 marks a significant milestone as Korean defense industry gains momentum in its entry into the Latin American market. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that it held a ceremony for the Peruvian naval vessel project on Friday, January 10 (local time), at Peru’s state-run SIMA Shipyard.
The event celebrated the start of construction for four vessels – three different types: a frigate, an offshore patrol vessel, and an amphibious vessel – exported to Peru by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The ceremony included a steel-cutting and keel-laying ceremony, marking the beginning of the construction of these vessels, which will become critical assets for the Peruvian Navy.
The ceremony was attended by Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén Olaya, Minister of Defense Walter Astudillo, Chief of Naval Operations Luis José Polar Figari, Chief of Staff Cesar Ernesto Colunge Pinto, and Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Naval & Special Ship Division, alongside other dignitaries.
These vessels will be constructed locally using the facilities at SIMA Shipyard and are scheduled for phased delivery to the Peruvian Navy beginning in 2026. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will provide advanced design technologies and shipbuilding expertise throughout the process.
The Peru Naval Vessel Project originates from a defense export agreement secured in April of last year, valued at approximately KRW 640.6 billion (around USD 500 million). This achievement, made possible through the collaborative efforts of government agencies and companies under the “Team Korea” initiative, is being recognized as a benchmark for future export strategies of Korea’s defense industry.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte emphasized the significance of the ceremony, stating:
“This keel-laying marks a crucial milestone in Peru’s shipbuilding history. This project, in partnership with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, is expected to modernize the Peruvian Navy and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.”
Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Naval & Special Ship Division, remarked during the ceremony,
“This event heralds the entry of K-Defense naval vessels into Latin America. We are committed to driving this project to success based on our technological expertise and mutual trust, further strengthening defense cooperation between the two nations.”
As part of the Korea-Peru defense collaboration, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, in partnership with the University of Ulsan, will support the participation of 12 SIMA Shipyard technical staff in a two-week Naval Architecture Training Program at the university beginning January 13. The company also plans to bolster local shipbuilding competitiveness by expanding partnerships with Peruvian equipment suppliers.
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries aims to establish global defense hubs through partnerships in key regions, local construction systems, and standardized technology transfer packages. This initiative, dubbed the “Pan-Pacific Belt Vision,” includes plans to strengthen its presence in Peru, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
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Naval News Comments
According to the graphic presented at the ceremony, the frigate (in the center) appears to be the ROK Navy’s latest Chungnam-class frigate, which was recently delivered and commissioned. Alternatively, it could represent the HDF-4000 design, which is based on the FFX Batch-III program. In any case, this design represents the best and most advanced frigate South Korea is currently proposing for both the domestic and export markets.
Last November, during the delivery ceremony of the ROKS Jeongjo the Great, the Peruvian delegation visited the shipyard, toured the ROK Navy’s latest Aegis destroyer and the ROKS Chungnam, and shared their comments with the local media and with Naval News. This underscores not only the advanced capabilities and technological evolution of Korea’s naval shipbuilding industry but also the high localization rate of South Korea’s defense and maritime industries, allowing them to be flexible in offering advanced weapon systems to their partners.
The day prior to the delivery ceremony, Naval News toured the impressive HD HHI shipbuilding facilities as well as the new destroyer and new frigate. Here is our video report:
