A Study on the System Safety Application of Defense Weapon Systems

This study aims to analyze advanced system safety management cases in the United States and the United Kingdom and establish application measures for weapon system safety management tailored to the defense environment of the Republic of Korea. The defense weapon system safety management frameworks of the US and the UK were classified into key components such as laws & standards, procedures, organizations, and data management. After comparing and analyzing the characteristics and differences between the two nations, the current status and issues of the ROK defense environment were contrasted to derive implications. The US has established safety management procedures throughout the entire life cycle based on Armed Force law and MIL-STD-882. The UK ensures safety within a legal and institutional framework through the Industrial Safety and Health Act and Def Stan 00-56. In contrast, the ROK lacks adequate system safety management systems in place for maneuverability, artillery, and guided weapons, excluding military aircraft and naval vessels. To establish a system safety management framework applicable to the overall defense weapon systems in the ROK, application measures were derived from four perspectives: legislation, procedures, organization, and data management. It emphasized the need to establish legal grounds for applying system safety, present safety management procedures for each acquisition stage, establish a dedicated safety organization, and manage safety activity documentation. It is also expected that these safety measures for weapon systems will prevent accidents in advance and protect military personnel and assets.