In response to a parliamentary question from Lord Browne of Ladyton, the UK government has confirmed its ongoing commitment to international discussions on lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS).
The question, posed on 10th October 2024, asked whether the UK supports the establishment of an international treaty on autonomous weapon systems, following the Prime Minister’s speech at the UN General Assembly in September.
Lord Coaker, Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, answered on 23rd October 2024, outlining the UK’s position on the issue.
He highlighted that international discussions on LAWS are currently conducted under the United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) through a Group of Government Experts (GGE).
Lord Coaker explained, “In 2023 the UK joined consensus on a strengthened mandate for the GGE to ‘consider and formulate, by consensus, a set of elements of an instrument, without prejudging its nature, and other possible measures to address emerging technologies in the area of lethal autonomous weapons systems.’ The UK remains committed to working constructively and proactively to fulfil that mandate through that process.”
While the UK has not committed to a specific treaty, its participation in these discussions demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by emerging technologies in autonomous weapon systems, particularly within the framework of the UN.
The government’s stance reflects an ongoing engagement with international efforts to regulate and control the use of such technologies in warfare.
Articles on DAU and DAIC describe the UK as a “world power” in the field, so I’m not surprised the UK would be at the heart of such discussions.
There’s a degree of hypocrisy when it comes to discussing developments in lethal autonomous weapons. Many talk as if it were something new, where in fact lethal autonomous weapons in the form of land mines and sea mines have been in existence for over a century.
….and CIWS such as Phalanx perhaps?
I thought Phalanx required someone to flick the switch to automatic mode. Would that not count as human intervention.
I’m does. Sure GB and other naval types have commented.
All autonomous systems need a human to press the on/go switch to start with.
Personally I can’t see this discussion going anywhere. Most western missiles indentify the target (human) and press the fire button (Human) the rest is done autonomously. Indeed the west obtain an advantage by being able to precisely target key facilities. Removing those autonomous aspects takes us back to WW1 or WW2.
Also who exactly trusts the likes of Putin to adhere to any such rules.
Perhaps we say that as long as there is some human intervention then that is good enough. I think to be fair that is where we already are.
That Map…. It’s just got to be a Jackson Pollock’s ?
😂
Autonomous Weapons… hmmm well that could include virtually every weapon made since the days of Axe’s and Sticks because virtually everything else has an element of autonomy. Light a fuse on a Canon and autonomy does the rest, same with a Maxim, same with a Tommy Gun.
I’d read here before that behind these movements to stop autonomy, Drones and other technologies are some peace organisations all linked to Russia and China.
Who OF COURSE will abide by all international rules and hamstring themselves while we stop development.
Washington Treaty springs to mind. I like the way you think/Type BTW.
Is not Lammy an autonomous weapon? I mean no brain, no experience just pointed at a target and hope for the best and all….