Qualitative transformation of the human interference in war conduct

Abstract

What will happen to the human role in War as far as more efficient , intelligent and autonomous aerial systems are developed? Are we  witnessing  the  beginning  of  the  end  of  human  monopoly  of  War?  It  is  precisely  this  distance  of  human  interaction  and  a  qualitative  change  of  human  interference,  from  performer  to  supervisor, to observer, which pose new challenges to the ancient art of war. Not for its novelty, but for the magnitude of its effects. To  better  test  a  concept,  we  need  to  expose  it  to  extremes  and   then   withdraw   possible   consequences.   This   analytical   boundary  lies  in  the  use  of  autonomous  combat  systems.This  article  intends  to  confront  the  catalysts  for  a  better  autonomy  with  ethical,  legal  and  social  barriers  in  an  attempt  to  realize  possible  effects  of  the  transformation  of  the  Remote  Air Warfare into a new kind of Autonomous Aerial War. A future filled with autonomous air systems is therefore a paradigm shift in terms of the use of force. Its employment  may fundamentally change  the  nature  of  the  dynamics  of  war,  thus  irrevocably  transforming the strategic cultures of states. When it happens, we will face a Revolution in Military Affairs of epic proportions.