International Research Journal of Education and Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries and reshaping the way we live, work, and interact. Among its most controversial applications is its role in modern warfare, where AI-driven autonomous weapons are being developed to carry out military operations with minimal human intervention. These advancements introduce complex ethical dilemmas concerning accountability, transparency, and compliance with international humanitarian laws.

Autonomous weapons systems, including AI-powered drones, robotic soldiers, and automated defense mechanisms, offer strategic advantages such as increased precision, efficiency, and reduced human casualties. However, they also raise concerns about decision-making in combat scenarios, the potential for unintended collateral damage, and the moral responsibilities of those who develop and deploy these technologies. Unlike human soldiers, AI lacks moral reasoning and the ability to make ethical judgments in complex battlefield situations. This raises questions about who should be held accountable when AI-driven military actions result in unlawful killings, civilian casualties, or unintended consequences.

Another critical issue is the opacity of AI decision-making. Many autonomous weapons operate as "black box" systems, making it difficult to understand how they arrive at their conclusions. This lack of transparency undermines trust and increases the risk of unintended escalation in conflicts. Furthermore, the potential for AI weapons to be misused—either through hacking, malfunction, or deployment by non-state actors—poses significant threats to global security.

The rapid advancement of AI-driven warfare also challenges existing legal frameworks, such as the Geneva Conventions, which govern the ethical conduct of armed conflict. Autonomous systems may struggle to distinguish between combatants and civilians, adhere to proportionality principles, or interpret the nuances of human intent. As AI weapons become more prevalent, there is an urgent need for robust international regulations, ethical guidelines, and accountability mechanisms to ensure their responsible use.

This paper explores the ethical implications of autonomous weapons in modern warfare, analyzing their impact on military ethics, accountability, and legal frameworks. By addressing these concerns, policymakers, researchers, and defense organizations can work towards developing AI-driven military technologies that align with humanitarian principles and minimize potential harm.