Are you Playing TRL Snakes and Ladders?
Neglecting legal compliance, particularly under international humanitarian law (IHL), during the early stages can transform this structured progression into a perilous game of "snakes and ladders." We explore how you can avoid costly delays by considering IHL in the design and development on new military technologies.
Image source: Yellow Mountain Imports, Inc.
Should AWS be designed to comply with ROE?
If an AWS enables or performs a function associated with the use of force may be deployed on a national or multinational mission regulated by ROE . This blog considers what how the design and development of AI enabled and autonomous weapons, including AI decision support systems, will need to incorporate ROE rules and restrictions in its operating system.
Is the US GBU-57 MOP a lawful weapon? An Article 36 analysis.
While the Israel's 'Operation Rising Lion' against the Iran's uranium enrichment capability enters its second week, the world awaits the US President's decision to enter the conflict and use its bunker-busting GBU-57 Massive Ordinance Penetrator (MOP) to attack. This post considers the legality of the GBU-57 itself.
Image: Google Earth Illustration/ Janey Loehrke/ USA Today
Are AI-DSS a ‘means or method of warfare’ requiring legal review?
The use of AI Decision Support Systems (DSS) in military targeting raises complex legal, ethical and operational challenges. This blog considers whether States may interpret AI DSS as ‘means or method of warfare’ triggering their Article 36 legal review obligation.
Assessing the Legality of Ukraine’s ‘Operation Spiderweb’ Drones Under Article 36 of Additional Protocol I
On 1 June 2025, Ukraine executed a bold and unprecedented military operation, codenamed "Operation Spiderweb," targeting Russian strategic bombers deep within Russian territory. Utilising over 100 one-way attack drones, Ukraine struck multiple airbases across five Russian regions, reportedly damaging or destroying approximately 41 aircraft.
This blog considers the Article 36 legal review of Ukraine’s drones used during Operation Spiderweb.
Will the world ban autonomous weapon systems?
On 12–13 May 2025, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) convened member states in New York to address the ethical, legal, and humanitarian concerns associated with autonomous weapon systems (AWS). This high-level meeting reflects growing international momentum, but have the key preconditions for a new treaty on AWS been met?
Our latest blog analyses the prospects for new international law banning or regulating AWS.