Indian Strategic Studies: Towards Multilateral Policy on Autonomous Weapon Systems
AI Analysis
A new report from Indian Strategic Studies analyzes the stalled multilateral efforts to regulate Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS). The report highlights the lack of progress despite a decade of discussion, primarily due to disagreements on definitions and regulatory approaches. A critical decision point is approaching in 2026 regarding the future of the GGE's mandate.
Key Takeaways
- The Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons remains the primary, but limited, forum for AWS regulation.
- States are divided on defining AWS and establishing appropriate regulatory frameworks.
- Progress on AWS regulation has been slow, creating a sense of urgency.
- New processes and hybrid approaches to AWS governance are emerging alongside the GGE.
- Decisions made by 2026 will impact not only AWS governance but also broader military AI regulation.
Why It Matters
The lack of international consensus on AWS poses a significant risk of an arms race in autonomous weapons technology. This has direct implications for counter-UAS development, as AWS could be deployed offensively, necessitating advanced defensive capabilities. The 2026 decision point will be crucial in shaping the future of drone warfare and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in military applications.
Indian Strategic Studies: Towards Multilateral Policy on Autonomous Weapon Systems
Dr Alexander Blanchard and Netta Goussac
This report examines possible directions for multilateral policy on autonomous weapon systems (AWS)—weapons capable of selecting and applying force to targets without human intervention. Over a decade of deliberations on AWS has yielded limited progress, with states divided on definitions, regulatory approaches and pathways for action. The resulting landscape is one of institutional complexity, political sensitivity and growing urgency. While the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on lethal AWS—convened under the auspices of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons—remains the predominant forum for discussion and action, new processes and hybrid approaches are gaining traction, demanding a nuanced approach.
The choices made in the coming years will shape not only the governance of AWS, but also the broader trajectory of military artificial intelligence regulation. In 2026, states will decide on the future of efforts to regulate these weapons at the conclusion of the current mandate of the GGE. This report aims to equip policymakers with a structured and realistic overview of possible next steps to assist them to advance multilateral policy efforts.