Canada weighs the ethics of AI-powered combat drones

The rise of autonomous flight

The landscape of modern warfare is shifting toward the use of collaborative combat aircraft, or CCAs. These are drones designed to fly in formation with manned fighter jets to perform high-risk tasks. By using artificial intelligence, these drones can extend a jet's reach while reducing the physical danger to the pilot.

Recent tests have shown these systems in action, such as the American YFQ-44A drone, known as Fury. This drone successfully fired an air-to-air tactical missile at a simulated target in California. Additionally, pilots have already begun practicing combat tasks with these drones from the cockpit of F-22 fighter jets.

Military leaders suggest these technologies will become a standard part of modern arsenals by the 2030s. While Western nations emphasize that humans will remain responsible for lethal force, other global powers may not adhere to the same restrictions. This creates a complex environment for countries like Canada as they consider their own defense investments.

Canada's Arctic defense gap

Canada currently faces a significant challenge in monitoring its vast territory, particularly the Arctic which covers about 40 per cent of the country. The nation lacks the number of fighter jets required to provide comprehensive coverage over such a large area. This leaves a gap in the country's ability to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

Private companies are proposing autonomous systems as a solution to this geographic hurdle. Dominion Dynamics is developing a CCA called Scout, which would fly ahead of a crewed jet to stay beyond the edge of radar detection. The goal is to pair these autonomous systems with existing jets to create a more efficient and technologically advanced defense network.

The Department of National Defence has stated that the Royal Canadian Air Force is currently examining how these systems could be useful. However, the government has not yet made a final decision regarding the procurement of CCAs. The military maintains that any development must occur within a responsible chain of human command and control.

The challenge of human control

A major hurdle in developing these weapons is defining what "human control" actually looks like in a fast-moving environment. Engineers must build boundaries into the AI models to ensure that a human remains the final decision-maker for any use of force. This is difficult because the interface between the pilot and multiple drones is still in its early stages.

Technical experts worry about overwhelming the pilot with too much information from several drones at once. They also have to consider how the AI will navigate; for example, a drone needs to know how to return to base without entering contested airspace. If the AI makes these navigation choices independently, it could lead to unpredictable outcomes in a combat zone.

There is also the risk of automation bias, which occurs when humans place too much trust in a machine's recommendations. If a pilot only has seconds to react, they might defer to the AI's judgment even if it is incorrect. Experts argue that these errors can compound in feedback loops, potentially leading to the accidental killing of civilians.

Legal and ethical boundaries

The use of AI in deadly platforms raises significant questions regarding International Humanitarian Law. Canadian officials have noted that no machine or algorithmic code can be held legally responsible for following these laws. Therefore, the human element is considered essential to ensure that warfare remains a fundamentally human endeavor.

On the global stage, there is a push for a legally binding treaty to govern these weapons. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for such a treaty by the end of 2026 following reports of a Russian drone killing civilians without a human operator. While that specific drone was a different category of weapon, it highlighted the risks of autonomous decision-making.

Canada has already taken steps toward this conversation by voting for a 2025 UN resolution to lay the groundwork for negotiations. Diplomats are scheduled to meet in Geneva soon to discuss these rules. As the global arms race accelerates, Canada faces the ongoing task of balancing its national security needs with its commitment to ethical military standards.