Oversight

Policy reference: the 2023 autonomy-in-weapons directive

Policy reference · 2023 · January 25, 2023

A VENOM-modified F-16 climbs above Eglin Air Force Base during a test flight. — Related autonomy research photograph: a VENOM-modified F-16 in June 2026 flight testing, with a human pilot aboard. The photograph illustrates experimentation and is not part of the 2023 directive. U.S. Air Force / Samuel King Jr., 96th Test Wing · Public domain (U.S. government work; DVIDS) · Resized and converted to WebP. The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.

The January 25, 2023 edition of Directive 3000.09 addresses the development and use of autonomous and semi-autonomous functions in weapon systems, including armed platforms operated remotely or by personnel aboard them.

Its stated purposes include reducing the likelihood and consequences of failures that could cause unintended engagements and establishing an Autonomous Weapon Systems Working Group. This is a dated reference to that edition, not a new policy announcement or confirmation that no later requirements apply.

Reference brief based on the accessible official directive description and publication record. Consult the full official document and later issuances for applicable requirements.

Source checked September 24, 2026. Status describes the linked record, not an assumption about later progress.