Technological Advancement and Unregulated Production of New Weapons: The Bane of International Humanitarian Law

States are charting new fields daily and developing new weapons to impose their will on others, as witnessed in recent conflicts. From bow and arrow, weapons of war have evolved to the invention of the atomic bomb, ballistic missiles, unmanned combat vehicles, autonomous weapons, military robotics, and cyber technologies. These inventions are driven by advancements in science and technology and the wartime needs of states. These new developments undoubtedly influence tactics and highlight the necessity for the law to keep up with the advancement and use of weaponry. A new era in military strategy is being ushered in by modern armed conflicts, as technological advancements and innovations in weapon systems continue to pick up speed. The cardinal principle of international humanitarian law (IHL) is that parties to a conflict do not have an unrestricted right to choose their weapons and techniques of warfare. This work analyzes the introduction of some technologically advanced weapon systems into the modern battlefield and the necessity for IHL to adjust to and govern the new weapons in armed conflict. It has been established that advanced weapons are endangering global peace and security, and double the likelihood of civilian casualties. Serious concerns have been raised concerning the lack of regulation surrounding their development and use. Therefore, it is necessary to create new rules within the framework of international law to keep combatants in check. It is recommended that advanced weaponry be developed by IHL standards and accepted legal and moral precepts. A convention should be adopted to formulate global policies, methods, and collaboration to regulate the manufacturing and use of such weaponry.