Are Autonomous Weapons Being Used: Unveiling The Truth

Have fully autonomous weapons been deployed in warfare? While fully autonomous weapons, which possess complete lethal autonomy, have not yet seen combat, there are ongoing developments in the field of autonomous weaponry. Various states are actively funding and supporting research and development initiatives aimed at creating fully autonomous weapons. However, at present, precursor systems with differing degrees of autonomy and lethality are being utilized in military operations. This evolving landscape raises important questions about the future of warfare and the ethical implications associated with the use of increasingly autonomous weaponry.

Is the military actively employing autonomous weapons? This question has been at the forefront of global discussions, especially since the Department of Defense (DOD) assumed a pioneering role in the responsible development and deployment of weapon systems featuring autonomous capabilities. This initiative dates back to 2012 when the DOD issued Directive 3000.09 (DoDD 3000.09). To ensure the responsible use of such technology, the DOD has implemented rigorous procedures, including extensive testing, thorough reviews, and robust management oversight, for the approval of any weapon systems. As of January 25th, 2023, these measures continue to shape the military’s approach to autonomous weaponry.

What is the current utilization of autonomous weapons? As of July 26, 2022, these self-governing military systems have primarily found application in scenarios involving well-defined military objectives. They have been deployed against specific military assets such as weaponry stockpiles, munition depots, military radar installations, and adversary tanks. These operations have been predominantly conducted in regions with minimal civilian presence or infrastructure, thus minimizing the risk to non-combatants and civilian property.