The Israel-Iran Conflict in Autonomous Weapons and Its Impact on Pakistan

This paper examines the intensifying military competition between Israel and Iran through the lens of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) and assesses its strategic implications for Pakistan. Anchored in the Realist theory of international relations, the analysis explores how both Israel and Iran are leveraging AWS to strengthen deterrence, gain regional influence, and prepare for potential conflict escalation. Israel's technological advantage and alliances, especially with Western nations, have allowed it to lead in AWS deployment, while Iran employs low-cost, asymmetric strategies using drones and AI-assisted systems to counterbalance Israeli superiority. Although Pakistan is not directly involved in the conflict, its proximity to the Middle East and strategic alliances necessitate a response to emerging threats. The diffusion of autonomous technologies has raised concerns about cyber vulnerabilities, arms races, and shifts in regional security balances. Pakistan's growing interest in AWS development reflects both external pressures and internal security needs. The absence of international regulation on AWS further complicates regional dynamics and reinforces Realist assumptions about power, survival, and strategic competition in an anarchic international system.