Robotics, air power, and “just” war

Aircraft controlled by artificial intelligence will soon be reality

The theory of jus ad bellum – “just” war – offers two main prerequisites for ethical military activities: they must have a legitimate, justifiable, non-military aim; and this aim should be pursued by acceptable means.

These requirements are supported by three key principles of international humanitarian law that govern the legal use of armed force: military necessity, distinction, and proportionality; meaning that attacks should have a military objective that will help defeat the enemy, be directed only against combatants, and have an anticipated military advantage that will outweigh any potential harm to civilians.