Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, or LAWS, are a “special” class of weapon systems that can independently search for and engage targets based on a computerized system; they can destroy a target without manual human control. US policy does not prohibit the development or use of LAWS, yet, the country does not have any in its disposal right now. High-ranking officials have agreed that if the nation’s competitors develop them, the US may follow suit – which would require congressional oversight, defense investments, treaty-making, etc. The rest of this report describes a more in-depth definition of LAWS, as well as the implications of human operation.
United States’ Policy on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems
