What does modern warfare look like with increasingly intelligent technology?
Members of the Ocean Autonomy Cluster and NORDSEC, along with employees and clients of Maritime Robotics, gained deeper insights into this topic when Rikke Seehuus from the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and Camilla Guldahl Cooper from the Norwegian Defence University College shared their thoughts on autonomous systems in military operations.
New Technology Changes the Game
“There is a big difference between what is legal and what is possible,” said Rikke Seehuus, Research Leader at FFI. Autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly advanced and can already perform tasks that previously required significant human effort.
She highlighted that the future isn’t just about autonomous technology but also about heterogeneous systems working together.
Camilla Guldahl Cooper is professor at the Norwegian Defence University College. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Why Autonomy?
Autonomy can help address several challenges, said Camilla Guldahl Cooper. Autonomous systems can handle dangerous, dirty, or tedious tasks while also improving military efficiency. The OODA loop (“observe, orient, decide, act”) enables faster and smarter decision-making.
“Air and sea operations are simpler than land operations, but autonomy can also be applied in cyber, logistics, and medical support,” Cooper said.
She emphasized that the technology is not just about performing old tasks faster but rethinking them entirely.
Rikke Seehuus leads research on autonomous systems at FFI. Photo: Lars Bugge Aarset/Fremtidens Industri
Ethical Dilemmas and Legal Boundaries
What happens when machines take over more tasks? This raises significant questions, especially around accountability.
“Humans are always responsible for the use of military force, no matter how advanced the technology is,” Cooper stressed.
She underscored that autonomous systems must be developed within clear ethical and legal frameworks to ensure accountability and trust.
“The technology provides flexibility and efficiency while also enhancing the ability to protect civilians in conflict zones,” Cooper added.
Research That Delivers Results
FFI conducts research specifically on autonomous systems designed for demanding conditions.
“Through our research, we identify what is realistic and what can be further developed by the industry,” Seehuus said.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in this development. These smaller companies often have quicker processes and the ability to adapt to new demands.
“The war in Ukraine has demonstrated how crucial both rapid development and fast update cycles are,” she added.
About the Speakers
Rikke Seehuus leads research on autonomous systems at FFI and holds a PhD in Computer Science. Camilla Guldahl Cooper is an expert in operational law at the Norwegian Defence University College and holds a PhD in international law. Together, they offer a unique perspective on how technology can shape the future of military operations. They are both co-authors of the book "Autonomy in Military Operations".