Minister of Defence François Bausch presented the results of an investigation into the topic of automatic deadly weaponry during a press conference.
The group, including several ministers, was created a year ago to define the Luxembourgish position on the subject and create an action plan with propositions on implementing international regulations.
The report emphasised that a human being should always have ultimate control and bear the responsibility of the weapons. The uncontrolled use of weapons and artificial intelligence with weapons could become a big issue. These types of weapons should never be used in an active war zone, but in some areas this is the case.
The minister cites Ukraine as an example, where many experiments are being conducted with drones using autonomous systems or making use of AI in some form.
“Currently we do not have any sort of overview of what is being tested on either side in Ukraine. In intense war zones these kinds of investigations simply can not be carried out.”
To avoid this situation, international rules must be introduced.
It does not make sense to limit the regulations on any type of specific technology as evolution in the areas of military technology and AI could advance very rapidly. The minister therefore wants a more general approach.
The task force has eight recommendations to deal with deadly automatic weaponry. Among others the Grand-Duchy needs to participate in international discussions and promote the Luxembourgish point of view. On a national level, concrete guidelines should be worked on and a permanent ethics committee on the topic should be formed.
