With news stories about AI and autonomous weapons systems surging at the moment, and negotiations at the United Nations General Assembly approaching, we will be publishing a curated roundup of the latest news, analysis, and commentary every two weeks to help keep you informed about the key developments shaping the global conversation on autonomous weapons in the run-up to UNGA.
- Just Security – AI in the Military Domain: Multilateralism at a Crossroads
The article stresses that international efforts to govern military AI have reached a critical moment, with growing geopolitical tensions threatening progress towards global rules. It calls for states to strengthen multilateral cooperation to ensure meaningful human control and prevent an unchecked AI arms race.
- CIGI – When Algorithms Accelerate War, What Happens to Human Judgment?
CIGI explores how AI could compress decision making during crises, reducing opportunities for human deliberation and increasing the risk of escalation. It argues that preserving meaningful human judgment must remain central to the governance of military AI. - EUobserver – Russia’s faith in ‘error-free’ killer robots and global divisions expose the moral vacuum in AI warfare
This opinion piece criticises Russia’s confidence in autonomous weapons while warning that international divisions are creating a dangerous governance vacuum. It argues that the absence of agreed global rules increases the risks posed by AI in warfare. - Small Wars Journal – Human Judgment at Machine Speed
This joint article by Lt. Gen. (Retired) Eric Wesley and Dr. Aaron Poynton give an update from the USA. It explores the challenge of preserving meaningful human judgment as AI enables military decisions to be made at unprecedented speed arguing that militaries must design systems that support, rather than replace, human decision making in the use of force. - OECD – AIM: AI Incidents and Hazards Monitor
The OECD reports the launch of a AI Incidents Monitor documenting recent military AI-related incidents and highlighting the real-world risks posed by increasingly autonomous systems. The database demonstrates why greater transparency and stronger governance mechanisms are urgently needed. - Eurasia Review – Europe Delayed Its AI Rules Because The Institutions Were Not Ready
Burak Oktenli argues that delays to the EU’s AI regulatory framework stem more from institutional challenges than technological ones. It warns that postponing implementation risks weakening oversight of high-risk AI applications, including military systems. - Briefs – Anduril’s Chief: Humans Must Keep Control of AI Weapons as Pentagon Orders 1,000 Missiles
Anduril’s CEO argues that humans should remain responsible for decisions over the use of AI-enabled weapons. While supporting continued military AI development, the comments reflect growing recognition within the defence industry of the importance of maintaining human oversight. - New York Times – A.I Drones Are Coming. We Are Not Ready
The NYT examines how Ukraine’s rapid adoption of AI-enabled and autonomous military technologies has transformed modern warfare. It also explores the leadership behind these innovations and the implications for future conflicts. - TechTimes – Fired Ukraine Defense Minister Fedorov: Drone Procurement Is Autonomous Weapons Lifeline
The article examines the departure of Ukraine’s defence minister and the impact this may have on the country’s drone procurement and autonomous weapons programmes. It highlights the central role AI-enabled systems now play in Ukraine’s defence strategy. - RealClearDefense – The Autonomous Arms Race in the Russia–Ukraine War
The war in Ukraine has accelerated the development and deployment of autonomous military technologies. It presents autonomy as an increasingly decisive factor in future military capability and strategic competition. - The Independent – Robot soldiers are being built in America to fight tomorrow’s wars – and the alarm is growing
Growing investment in defence robotics startups developing autonomous military technologies. It highlights how political support and venture capital are accelerating the deployment of AI-powered defence systems. - Migflug – The UK’s Drones Won’t Always Ask Permission to Fire
This article reports on the UK’s multi-billion-pound investment in autonomous drones as part of its 2026 defence strategy. It reflects the increasing priority governments are placing on AI-enabled military capabilities.