Considerations about the use of armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as seen through the light of the international law

Abstract

This article presents some considerations about the use of UAVs, particularly armed UAVs, as seen through the International Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), also known as International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This work begins with an introduction as an orientation for the reader on the topic at hand. Then, an explanation of UAV specific terms as adopted by the Brazilian Ministry of Defense is presented, followed by a brief history of the use of UAVs to date, and their capabilities and limitations. Next, the current debate between those who support and those who condemn the employment of armed UAVs is examined from the point of view of the basic principles of LOAC. Finally the article concludes by considering the potential for the use of UAVs as a compatiblizing agent for this branch of international law, given the broad spectrum of contemporary conflicts.