The emergence of early drone equivalents, akin to “killer robots,” has been witnessed in conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza.

While these drones are currently under human control, the prospect of a future where autonomous weapons, guided by artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced robotics, dominate the battlefield is becoming a reality.

Major powers, including the U.S., are actively developing self-guided autonomous weapons systems, encompassing combat drones capable of employing lethal force independently without human intervention.

This category, often referred to as “killer robots” by critics, includes unmanned planes, tanks, ships, and submarines designed for autonomous operation.

The U.S. military is exploring the use of collaborative combat aircraft, autonomous unmanned ground vehicles, and unmanned surface and undersea vessels, Salon reported.

Other countries such as China, Russia, Australia, and Israel are also engaged in developing similar AI-powered weaponry for the future battlefield, raising concerns about the potential implications of such technology.

Written by B.C. Begley