Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems – Emerging and Potentially Disruptive Technology
Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems – Emerging and Potentially Disruptive Technology

Author(s): Romică Cernat
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Economy, Security and defense, Military policy, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: Centrul tehnic-editorial al armatei
Keywords: lethal weapons; drone; artificial intelligence; human operator; automation;
Summary/Abstract: The renewal of the competition for the super power status has led to the revival of the emphasis on defence planning, by the great powers, on the capabilities intended for so-called high-end conventional, technologically sophisticated warfare, which involves large-scale and high-intensity military actions. Weapons that can be linked to waging high-end warfare actually include the military uses of lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) and artificial intelligence (AI). The connection between robotics, autonomous systems and AI has the potential to change the nature of warfare. Theoretically, a lethal weapon system should be considered autonomous if it is designed so that it can modify its integrated programming, does not take into account the objectives initially set and modifies its rules of engagement without human intervention. Human judgment will remain essential, but the line between what humans and machines do best will constantly be shifting in the coming years. The most critical dimension of autonomy is the task the machine is performing. There are significant expectations and challenges, opportunities, and risks associated with LAWS across the full range of military operations. LAWS will influence military operations in the future and will have at least an evolutionary – if not revolutionary – effect.

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