Statement by Stop Killer Robots to Session 3 of the informal exchanges on AI in the military domain

The following statement was submitted by Stop Killer Robots for ‘Session 3: Current developments and trends in AI in the Military Domain’ of the informal exchanges on AI in the military domain, 15-17 June 2026

Thank you, Chair.

For Stop Killer Robots, two current uses of military AI that are beyond the boundary of autonomous weapons systems which raise particular concerns for us are:

Firstly, the use of AI and automation in the data systems of the military ‘kill chain’ of identifying and attacking targets.

And secondly, other efforts to use AI and automation for ‘force multiplication’ in ways that will test the cognitive limits of people to use systems – a potential example being placing one person in charge of multiple swarm systems.

As we mentioned in our opening statement, reports of the link between the use of AI in the kill chain and serious harm to civilians are already emerging. So far, we have seen little evidence that the ‘responsible’ use of ‘AI in the military domain’ is leading to improvements in civilian protection or greater compliance with the law, despite the claims of some states. On the contrary, we are seeing increasing evidence that the use of AI tools is resulting in grave consequences.

The pursuit of speed and scale in warfare through AI and automation that we are currently seeing raises fundamental humanitarian and legal concerns.

Deliberative decision-making on, for example, who is a combatant is required by the laws of war. But reducing targeting decisions that may have taken hours or days to seconds prevents this, with users subject to automation and action bias.

Greater speed and scale means more use of force, which, in turn means more scope for errors and civilian harm at a vastly accelerated pace. It risks eroding human control with grave consequences for civilian protection. Taking warfare beyond the speed and other limits of human cognition challenges essential engagement and oversight.

These are some of the key issues that states must consider in appraising current developments and trends in military AI, and the responses that are needed.

Thank you, Chair.