Vessel transfers epitomise South Korean search for bigger role in South America
A noticeable trend in recent years is for South Korea to transfer or donate naval vessels to South American countries
The Colombian Navy has taken command of Almirante Tono, formerly the Pohang-class corvette ROKS Iksan in service with the Republic of Korea Navy.
The vessel (pictured) will arrive in Colombia in mid-November, as part of an apparent strategy by Seoul to become a major supplier of defence technology to South American armed forces.
Almirante Tono is the latest South Korean vessel to be offloaded to Colombia, following the ex-ROKS Anyang. This Donghae-class corvette now sails under the Colombian flag as ARC Nariño.
Similarly, Peru operates a Pohang-class corvette as BAP Ferre.
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