States should assess, through legal reviews, whether human involvement in the new system would violate IHL principles. In case a legal review identifies a use that might be problematic, doctrine and training should be drafted and implemented in such a way that they allow the weapon to be used properly and in compliance with IHL. Machines should be extensively tested during the R&D phase. Frequent feedback from actual users, in conditions close to real-life ones during system deployment is also crucial. Validation processes should also be extensive in order to ensure that machines meet the required specifications and fulfill their intended mission. Finally, regarding transparency and exchange of information, voluntary exchanges of experiences and good practices regarding the control policy implemented in different weapon systems can be a measure towards better transparency and trust, such as information on which autonomous modes of use are appropriate in relation to the mission developed by the system, legal reviews and validation procedures, etc.
Contribution of Spain for possible consensus recommendations (2021)
