Controversy over Lack of Insurance for Marine Corps’ Next-Generation Armored Vehicle Development

2023-09-30 11:11:29

◀ Anchor ▶

Four days ago, the Marine Corps’ next-generation amphibious assault armored vehicle flooded during a test run, killing two defense industry employees.

The accident occurred while developing weapons ordered by the government.

Unlike fighter jets or ships, the government does not support insurance premiums for the development of armored vehicles, raising controversy over fairness.

Reporter Lee Deok-young covered the story.

◀ Report ▶

Pohang Tool Coast on the followingnoon of the 26th.

119 rescue workers are performing CPR.

Two defense industry employees who were testing the Marine Corps’ next-generation amphibious assault vehicle were rescued following falling into the water.

They were taken to a nearby hospital, but eventually died.

This armored vehicle, manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace, improves the mobility and survivability of existing amphibious assault vehicles and is scheduled to be delivered to the Marine Corps in 2028.

However, it turned out that the deceased employees were not able to properly receive insurance money.

This is because the Defense Acquisition Program Administration does not support insurance premiums for human and material collateral during the development process of armored vehicles, tanks, and self-propelled artillery.

Compensation for these people is expected to be paid only through industrial accident insurance and group accident insurance subscribed to by Hanwha Aerospace.

[방산업체 관계자]

″I’m holding the company responsible for everything, and isn’t this the company’s responsibility for the sinking of the tank (armored vehicle)? In some ways, the lives of the employees are also… ″

On the other hand, the DAPA supports insurance premiums for development projects such as ships and fighter jets, saying that the burden on defense companies in the event of an accident is high.

[방산업체 관계자]

″K-Defense Industry, K-Defense Industry, more weapons will be developed now, and in the process of developing those weapons, they must go through a stage called trial run, but some things are done by the government and some projects are not… ″

The DAPA’s position is that it has no choice due to a lack of budget.

[안규백 의원/국회 국방위원회]

″As defense industry employees are also dedicated to national security and the national economy, we will ensure that all defense industry workers receive national protection.″

The budget set aside by the DAPA this year to support insurance premiums for weapons systems under development is only 6.9 billion won.

This is Deokyoung Lee from MBC News.

Video coverage: Jongsu Kang / Video editing: Hwayoung Lee

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