Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly significant role in military operations, raising concerns that human judgment could gradually be sidelined in decisions involving the use of force. The United Nations has warned that the growing reliance on AI for battlefield intelligence, target identification and operational planning could increase the risks of errors, miscalculations and unintended escalation.
In a briefing on October 20, Robin Geiss, director of the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), warned that AI was increasingly on track to crowd out human decision-making in warfare. He raised concerns about whether machines should be allowed to make decisions that could determine who lives and who dies.
AI Is Reshaping Modern Military Operations
Military organisations are increasingly using AI to process intelligence, identify potential targets, support drone operations and assist with cyber activities.
These technologies can analyse large volumes of information at speeds that would be difficult for human teams to match. However, their growing use can also shorten the time available for commanders to assess information, verify targets and make informed decisions.
According to UNIDIR, the accelerating pace of AI-supported military operations is narrowing the window for human judgment, including in situations involving nuclear security.
Risks of Errors and Unintended Escalation
AI systems used in military environments may operate in complex and rapidly changing conditions. If these systems produce inaccurate assessments or rely on incomplete information, their outputs could contribute to serious operational mistakes.
The problem becomes more complicated when military decision-makers cannot fully understand how an AI system reached a particular conclusion.
The UN has warned that opaque systems, combined with faster decision cycles, could increase the risk of miscalculation and unintended escalation between states.
In high-pressure situations, a mistaken assessment could trigger a response before human officials have sufficient time to verify the information or understand its implications.
Autonomous Weapons Raise Ethical Questions
The expanding role of AI in military operations has renewed debate over lethal autonomous weapons systems, which can select and engage targets with varying degrees of human involvement.
A central concern is whether decisions involving lethal force should ever be delegated to machines without meaningful human control.
The UN Secretary-General has repeatedly called for stronger international rules governing autonomous weapons, including a legally binding instrument addressing lethal autonomous weapons systems.
Supporters of stronger regulation argue that clear international standards are necessary to establish accountability, reduce the risk of misuse and ensure that human responsibility remains central to decisions involving armed conflict.
Global Competition Complicates AI Regulation
Establishing international rules remains challenging as countries compete to develop advanced military technologies.
Governments may be reluctant to accept restrictions that they believe could affect national security or their strategic position. At the same time, concerns about accidental escalation and the loss of meaningful human control are creating opportunities for dialogue between countries with different political and military interests.
The UN has highlighted growing interest in international cooperation, including discussions about mechanisms that could help major powers communicate about AI-related incidents that threaten national security.
UNIDIR Pushes for Responsible Military AI
UNIDIR is working to support international cooperation on AI and security through initiatives focused on responsible industry practices, clearer terminology and preventing the misuse of AI by non-state armed groups.
These efforts aim to help governments, technology developers and security experts establish a shared understanding of the risks associated with military AI.
Clearer definitions of concepts such as autonomy, safety and security could also improve cooperation between countries and reduce misunderstandings when discussing regulation.
The broader challenge is to ensure that advances in military technology do not outpace the safeguards needed to protect civilians and maintain international stability.
Conclusion
AI has the potential to improve military intelligence and operational efficiency, but its expanding role in warfare raises serious questions about accountability, human control and global security.
The UN's warning highlights the need for international cooperation, responsible technology development and clear safeguards around decisions involving lethal force.
As military AI capabilities advance, a key challenge for governments will be determining how these systems can be used without allowing speed and automation to replace essential human judgment.
