This primer provides an introduction to two crosscutting developments that will have an impact on AI + Defense in the future: first, the ongoing efforts to (preemptively) control the design, development and deployment of AI enhanced (lethal) autonomous weapon systems (LAWS); second, the increased R&D and (potential) future deployment of such weapon systems by countries. The primer is the fifth in a series of RAIN+ Ethics primers. Other primers can be found here:

https://www.raindefense.ai/ethics/primers

It is an organic document that will be regularly updated. Feedback or suggestions are welcomed and can be sent to primers@raindefense.ai.