The development and use of AI in the military sector requires an interdisciplinary, joint effort by government agencies, OEMs, academia and knowledgeable consultants to ensure that all relevant technical, legal and ethical aspects are taken into account throughout the entire life cycle of military AI systems. Leupold Legal provides expert advice on legal compliance when using new technologies for defense:
Autonomous weapons systems are not developed and deployed in a legal vacuum but are subject to strict requirements under applicable international humanitarian law (IHL). Leupold Legal ensures that the conditions for compliance with central principles for the protection of the civilian population and civilian objects are created already in the requirements definition for procurement and the design phase of AWS, and that compliance with Protocol I to the Geneva Convention of 12 August 1948 can be ensured. In addition, Leupold Legal supports the continuous weapons testing of AWS even after they have been put into operation to ensure that they are used in accordance with international humanitarian law and jus ad bellum.
AI-based decision support systems (AI DSS) can significantly shorten the OODA loop and improve target recognition. Leupold Legal shows which legal requirements must be met when developing such systems, what needs to be done to do so and what must be considered when using them in a legally compliant manner.
Electronic warfare has long been a reality, but it still raises many legal questions regarding the preservation of state sovereignty by means of defense against influence on elections and attacks on critical infrastructures with and without kinetic force. Leupold Legal supports ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law and the jus ad bellum when taking appropriate countermeasures or retorsion.
Additive Manufacturing is an increasingly important skill in the armed forces for ensuring the maintenance and rapid repair of vehicles, ships and military equipment. However, this requires not only technical but also legal challenges to be overcome. Leupold Legal has proven expertise in this area, having provided two handbooks and an expert opinion for NATO/NSPA, and provides sound support in complying with legal requirements for additive manufacturing in the defense sector.
