30, August 2025

The Legality of Robotic Warfare: Autonomous Weapons and International Humanitarian Norms

VOLUME-11; ISSUE-8; AUG-2025

Author(s): Dr. Swarup Mukherjee

Authors Affiliations:

Associate Professor of Law, ICFAI University Tripura

DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202508018     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202508018


Abstract
Keywords
Cite this Article/Paper as
References

The advent of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) and robotics in modern warfare has sparked pressing legal and ethical debates. While these technologies promise increased efficiency and reduced military casualties, they also raise serious concerns about compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), particularly regarding distinction, proportionality, and accountability. This article critically examines the compatibility of AWS with core IHL principles, analyzing existing treaty frameworks, state practice, and recent doctrinal developments. Through a multidisciplinary lens combining law, ethics, and emerging technologies, the article interrogates whether current legal norms are adequate to regulate autonomous warfare or whether new legal instruments are necessary. Ultimately, it advocates for a hybrid regulatory approach that integrates precautionary legal standards with robust international governance to ensure that technological innovation does not outpace humanitarian protection.

Autonomous Weapons Systems, International Humanitarian Law, Robotics, Warfare, Accountability, AI, Targeting, Legal Responsibility, Geneva Conventions, Weapon Review

Dr. Swarup Mukherjee (2025); The Legality of Robotic Warfare: Autonomous Weapons and International Humanitarian Norms, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-11, Issue-8, Pp.137-150.          Available on –   https://www.ijirmf.com/

  1. Boulanin, V., & Verbruggen, M. (2017). Mapping the Development of Autonomy in Weapon Systems. SIPRI.
  2. Human Rights Watch. (2012). Losing Humanity: The Case Against Killer Robots.
  3. Schmitt, M. N. (2013). Autonomous Weapons and International Humanitarian Law: A Reply to the Critics. Harvard National Security Journal, 4(1), 25–52.
  4. United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. (2021). Report of the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems.
  5. Sassòli, M. (2019). International Humanitarian Law: Rules, Controversies, and Solutions to Problems Arising in Warfare. Edward Elgar.
  6. Asaro, P. (2012). On Banning Autonomous Weapon Systems: Human Rights, Automation, and the Dehumanization of Lethal Decision-Making. International Review of the Red Cross, 94(886), 687–709.
  7. Casey-Maslen, S. (2018). Weapons under International Human Rights Law. Cambridge University Press.
Post Views: 45

Download Full Paper

Download PDF No. of Downloads:6 | No. of Views: 46