What is Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon Plant Where Explosion Occurred?

An explosion at Hanwha Aerospace's Daejeon facility on June 1 has resulted in seven casualties, including fatalities and injuries. The facility is a critical hub for the company's defense business, responsible for the development and production of large propulsion systems for missiles and rockets.

The Daejeon plant handles high-risk processes such as propellant mixing and charging. According to the company, the facility supplies over 95% of the domestic propulsion systems for rockets and missiles. Hanwha acquired the site in 1987 from the Agency for Defense Development and has since integrated it into its defense sector operations under Hanwha Aerospace.

Hanwha Aerospace is currently undertaking a significant investment of approximately 109.3 billion won (about $80 million) at the Daejeon facility. This investment, planned from July 2023 to September 2028, aims to expand and upgrade production and inspection equipment, as well as enhance infrastructure. The company's other defense facilities include plants in Changwon, Yeosu, Boeun, and Hwasun.

Safety management is a key focus for the Daejeon facility. Hanwha Aerospace has been implementing advanced risk assessment and Significant Incident Factor (SIF) techniques since 2023 to identify and manage potential hazards, particularly those related to fire and explosions. The company reported reducing major accident risks by 80% through these measures. The facility also undergoes annual safety inspections as mandated by the Defense Industry Act. Local authorities, including the Daejeon Fire Department, have also conducted checks on the facility's safety systems and emergency response readiness.

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The Daejeon facility supplies over 95% of the domestic propulsion systems for rockets and missiles.