Have Autonomous and Unmanned Systems Changed War Fundamentally?

Introduction

Technology is advancing at a pace that is changing how we visualize war. Have autonomous and unmanned systems changed war fundamentally? Remaining aware of the Clausewitzian distinction between the nature and character of war, I argue that war is undergoing a fundamental change in character. War is changing due to transformations in the technology on the battlefield, as well as in society and poli- tics, and in relation to the warrior. This article begins with a background of unmanned and autonomous systems, before assessing current uses. I ask what we mean by war, and what defines fundamental change – specifically the much-discussed ‘Revolution in Military Affairs’ (RMA), societal and political change, and how the warrior has changed. Finally, I analyze what changes have been brought by autonomous and unmanned systems and how they constitute a fundamental change in war.

Captain Mitchell Binding is currently posted to 408 Squadron in Edmonton, flying the CH-146 Griffon. He is also completing a Master’s degree in International Relations and Contemporary War through King’s College London.