Thread by @HoansSolo

One note on calling the KUB loitering munition an autonomous weapons system:

Describing the KUB as a lethal autonomous weapons system (LAWS) shows the definitional difficulty, if not confusion, over what is meant by full autonomy in a weapon.

https://twitter.com/SamBendett/status/1503039445100122114

KUB loitering munitions can likely be operated with a human-in-the loop in the decision-making process or without depending on the configuration of the system.

Even if the KUB loitering munition is programmed to attack targets without requiring data connectivity between the operator and the munition--in effect, a “fire, forget and find” capability’—then it is debatable whether the KUB would meet the criteria for a fully LAWS.

In terms of deploying autonomous UAVs, the Russian defense industry is still in the early developmental stages and is in the process of catching up with other major military powers, including the US and China.

Russia’s conceptual emphasis on the use of UAVs seems to focus on the development of AI-enabled UAV swarms, of which several remain in their testing phase.

Here is a @IISS_org report highlighting some of these issues based on a workshop with @SamBendett @RikeFranke @TheDEWLine @GresselGustav @M__Verbruggen et. al on armed UAVs and the challenges of autonomy.
iiss.org/blogs/research…