Glossary · Glossary
LAWS
Weapon systems that can select and engage targets without further human intervention once activated. LAWS are the subject of ongoing policy, legal, and ethical debate over required human control. Lethal autonomous weapon systems select and engage targets without further human intervention once activated; the policy and legal debate around them directly bounds what autonomy an operator may field.
Weapon systems that can select and engage targets without further human intervention once activated. LAWS are the subject of ongoing policy, legal, and ethical debate over required human control.
Why it matters
Lethal autonomous weapon systems select and engage targets without further human intervention once activated; the policy and legal debate around them directly bounds what autonomy an operator may field.
Standards & authorities
- DoD Directive 3000.09, Autonomy in Weapon Systems (2023)
Related in glossary
Frequently asked
What is LAWS?
Weapon systems that can select and engage targets without further human intervention once activated. LAWS are the subject of ongoing policy, legal, and ethical debate over required human control.
Why does LAWS matter for defense and counter-UAS operators?
Lethal autonomous weapon systems select and engage targets without further human intervention once activated; the policy and legal debate around them directly bounds what autonomy an operator may field.
What standard or authority governs LAWS?
LAWS is defined or governed by DoD Directive 3000.09, Autonomy in Weapon Systems (2023).