Robot Wars: autonomous drone swarms and the battlefield of the future

Abstract

We seem to be on the cusp of an AI-driven revolution in military affairs. Scholars have explored many aspects of this revolution but one of the most vibrant debates has addressed the question of lethal autonomous weapons. Some scholars believe that autonomous weapons and, especially autonomous drone swarms, are about to colonise the battlefield. This paper assesses this argument. It identifies three common mistakes in discussions of lethal autonomy. Scholars overestimate the capability of autonomous drone swarms. They underestimate their dependence on other weapon systems. Finally, they presume that autonomous weapons will favour the offence. This paper rejects all three claims.