Ethical boundaries of AI-Driven Autonomous Weapons

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies and their active implementation in the military sphere are leading to multidimensional challenges encompassing ethical, legal, technological, and security aspects. Particular attention is drawn to the phenomenon of autonomous weapons, specifi­cally combat systems capable of independently making decisions regarding the use of force without direct human involvement. Such an approach radically changes the understanding of the nature of modern armed conflicts, while at the same time generating risks of losing human control, violating international humanitarian law, and blurring the lines of legal and moral responsibility.

The relevance of this study lies in the need to develop clear mechanisms for the ethical and legal regulation of autonomous combat systems in condi­tions where international law has not yet established unified standards, and national legislation remains fragmented and unsystematic. The research hypothesis is based on the assumption that the absence of defined frameworks for the use of autonomous weapons creates the risk of uncontrolled use of force, the consequences of which could be catast­rophic for both civilian populations and global stability and the international order.

The methodology includes an interdisciplinary approach that combines a comparative analysis of international legal acts, an assessment of ethical concepts of autonomous decision-making, a systematic risk analysis, and a critical discourse on the issue of civil and democratic control over military techno­logies. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of Ukrainian legislation and its compliance with international standards, taking into account the provisions of the Military Security Strategy of Ukraine.

The results of the study indicate that Ukraine’s current regulatory framework only partially governs the field of autonomous weapons, while international conventions do not contain sufficiently specific provisions regarding fully autonomous systems. The need to develop ethical codes, ensure transparency of decision-making algorithms, create accountability mechanisms, and harmonise national legislation with modern international approaches is substan­tiated. It is emphasised that the integration of ethical and legal control mechanisms is a key condition for minimising potential threats, guaranteeing human rights, and ensuring global security in the context of a new military reality.