Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the military domain, with profound implications for international peace and security. Until recently, multilateral discussions on military uses of AI were limited to the question of how this technology relates to lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) – an important yet narrow field of application. In late 2024, however, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution that recognized the wide range of military applications of AI and called for the examination of this technology in the military domain beyond weapon systems. This resolution built on the growing awareness of AI in the military domain and the increase in its policy traction over the past 3 years.
This has been prompted by initiatives outside the United Nations, such as the Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) summits and the Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy. These processes were fundamental in increasing awareness and served as incubators for policy action on the international stage. Against this backdrop and for many years, UNIDIR has contributed significantly to initiating and shaping national, regional and international discussions through its research, its capacity-building and its convening power.
The push for responsible AI in the military domain has opened new channels for dialogue among states. The shared recognition of AI’s disruptive potential, both positive and negative, has led to international discussions specifically about ensuring its safe and controlled development, deployment, and use.
The international community now has an opportunity to shape the future of international peace and security in the era of AI, putting principles of responsible AI at the core. Such engagement can build trust and mutual understanding, future-proofing the international peace and security architecture.
To further advance multilateral discussions on this new and rapidly evolving issue, it is crucial to clarify what “the military domain” means and entails; to survey key applications of AI in military settings in order to understand the associated opportunities; and to analyse the challenges and consider recommendations for policy development at all levels. This report addresses each of these aspects in turn, drawing on UNIDIR’s research and analysis on these topics over the years. It then proposes a 10-step road map towards effective national and international governance of AI in the military domain.
Citation: UNIDIR's Security and Technology Programme. "Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain and Its Implications for International Peace and Security: An Evidence-Based Road Map for Future Policy Action". Geneva, Switzerland: UNIDIR, 2025.