Abstract

The use of weapons without humans-in-the-loop in modern warfare has been a contentious issue for several decades, from land mines to more advanced systems like loitering munitions. With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) technologies, the ethical difficulties in this complex field have increased. The challenges related to the adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), or human dignity are compounded by ethical concerns related to AI, such as transparency, explainability, human agency, and autonomy.In this chapter, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the main issues and current positions in the field of autonomous weapons and technological warfare. We will begin by clarifying the concept of autonomy in warfare, an area that still needs attention, as evidenced by the latest discussions within the United Nations (UN) Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). We will also introduce the current legal basis in this field and the problems in its practical application and offer sound philosophical grounds to better understand this highly complex and multifaceted field.