Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Autonomous weapons are robotic systems designed for military use that can operate independently without direct human control. They are capable of identifying targets, making decisions, and engaging in combat without human intervention.
Related terms
Drone Warfare: Drone warfare refers to the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) for military purposes, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted strikes.
Robotics: Robotics is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots.
Ethical Concerns: Ethical concerns refer to moral issues or dilemmas arising from the development and use of autonomous weapons, such as accountability for actions and potential loss of human control.