Lethal autonomous weapons systems: the future of the military industry or the threat of the fall of international humanitarian law?

Purpose: To examine the relevance of international humanitarian law in the context of the challenges that arise in the creation of deadly automated systems (SAS). Investigation of approaches to understanding ASC and possible problems arising in the essential, ethical and regulatory aspects of research. Methodology: Comparative legal, formal legal methods, as well as analysis and synthesis were used in the research process. Results: On the basis of the conducted research, the authors came to the conclusion that experimenting with the capabilities of the third generation CAS in order to potentially regulate them is a risky and little thought-out step. The authors believe that the most relevant solution would be to settle the SAS by a direct, complete and mandatory ban, similar to what currently exists with regard to the production and use of chemical weapons. Novelty/originality/value: At the moment, military technologies are developing rapidly, all over the world, legal scholars ask more and more questions about the legal regulation of artificial intelligence and do not find answers to them. The potential legal regulation of such systems in relation to military operations, where any mistake of the «thinking» machine can cost human life, needs to be given as much attention as possible.