Managing Inherent Risk: On the Conceptualization of Risk in Defense Systems

Abstract: Certain defense systems are, by nature, deployed in a civilian environment in order to serve a defensive function for that environment. However, the risk involved with their deployment and operation poses a challenge for the public acceptance of these systems. Compared to safety engineering for civilian systems, the risk constellation is quite different. While reducing risk of safety-critical systems is generally desirable, defense systems are required to cause harm in order to be useful. In both cases, not all risk can be eliminated. The complex risk constellation of defense systems has implications for the systems' designs. We compare the concepts of risk in existing standards from both the civilian and the military domains. An extended constellation of risks needs to be considered, including risk caused by external threats to physical security. By including this risk constellation in public communication about defense systems, we aim to stimulate a productive debate.