Autonomous weapons systems: advantages and risks of their application in modern wars and military conflicts

The article examines the process of introducing and using the latest weapons systems equipped with artificial intelligence algorithms in the military sphere and the advantages and risks that may arise during their use in modern wars and military conflicts. The development of modern technologies is relentlessly moving forward, and the war that is taking place in Ukraine has significantly accelerated this process and humanity has stood on the threshold of an era of multi-purpose use of weapons equipped with artificial intelligence algorithms, which have one of the names - autonomous weapons systems. The use of autonomous weapons systems in modern wars and military conflicts demonstrates the efforts of the opposing sides to effectively influence the tactical and strategic aspects of waging wars (combat operations). Of course, the use of autonomous weapons systems changes approaches to collecting intelligence information, assessing the operational situation, planning and performing service and combat (combat) tasks. A sufficient number of these systems will significantly reduce the risks to the lives of military personnel and civilians, preserve military and special equipment, and increase the effectiveness of military operations (combat operations). International military experts agree that, although at the current stage, autonomous weapons systems will not completely replace armed military personnel, they can significantly influence the dynamics, methods, and techniques of waging wars (combat operations). In addition, military experts note that the rapid development of digital technologies, in particular artificial intelligence technologies, and their application in modern weapons systems will have a significant impact on the future security situation and stability in the world.