Balancing Innovation and Oversight: Poland’s Approach to the Robotization of Armed Forces

Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa
Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa
May 12, 2025
Position Paper

Delegation: Republic of Poland
Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Topic: Robotization of Armed Forces
Date: May 12, 2025

I. Introduction

The Republic of Poland reaffirms its commitment to global peace and security while recognizing the transformative potential and inherent risks of the robotization of armed forces. As a nation situated at the crossroads of Europe, Poland views the integration of autonomous and semi-autonomous military technologies as a double-edged sword: a tool to enhance defense capabilities and deterrence, yet a source of ethical, legal, and strategic challenges.

We believe that the governance of such technologies must prioritize human accountability, international stability, and equitable access to ensure they do not escalate conflicts or undermine sovereignty.

Poland aligns itself with the United Nations’ efforts to address emerging security threats, including those posed by lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), as discussed in the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). Our delegation seeks a multilateral framework that balances innovation with regulation—safeguarding humanity while strengthening collective defense against modern threats.

II. National Background and Position

Poland’s security policy is shaped by its geographic position and historical experiences, driving our active participation in NATO and the European Union. By 2025, Poland has invested heavily in modernizing its armed forces, with a defense budget exceeding 2.5% of GDP, including allocations for advanced technologies like drones and robotic systems. These efforts—such as the acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under the Polish Armed Forces Modernization Plan—enhance our deterrence against regional threats, particularly along our eastern border.

While Poland supports the responsible use of robotics to bolster national and alliance security, we are acutely aware of the risks. The unchecked proliferation of autonomous weapons could destabilize Europe, exacerbate arms races, and erode human oversight in warfare—a concern amplified by our proximity to conflict zones. Poland has voiced these issues in CCW discussions, advocating for human-in-the-loop systems to maintain accountability. We also recognize the economic and technological disparities that could widen between states if robotization is unregulated, potentially leaving smaller nations vulnerable.

Poland asserts that the robotization of armed forces must be governed by clear international norms, rooted in the principles of the UN Charter and international humanitarian law (IHL). We oppose fully autonomous weapons that lack meaningful human control and reject frameworks that prioritize the interests of a few technologically advanced states over global equity.

III. Proposed Solutions

1. International Protocol on Autonomous Military Systems

Poland calls for the negotiation of a binding UN protocol within the CCW framework, mandating meaningful human control over all autonomous weapons systems. This protocol would:

  • Define technical standards for human oversight
  • Prohibit fully autonomous lethal systems
  • Establish verification mechanisms to ensure compliance

2. Global Robotics Security Forum

To foster dialogue and transparency, Poland proposes the creation of a UN-led Global Robotics Security Forum. This body would:

  • Facilitate information-sharing on military robotics development
  • Assess their impact on regional stability
  • Recommend guidelines to prevent escalation
  • Be hosted initially by Poland

3. Capacity-Building for Equitable Defense

Recognizing the technological divide, Poland advocates for a UN-administered program to:

  • Provide training and resources in robotic defense systems to less-developed states
  • Encourage partnerships with NATO and EU allies
  • Ensure all nations can leverage robotics for security without fueling disparities

4. Ethical and Legal Safeguards

Poland urges the establishment of a DISEC working group to:

  • Integrate IHL principles into the design and deployment of military robots
  • Develop a code of conduct for states and manufacturers
  • Address civilian protection, accountability for violations, and ethical use of AI in combat

5. Mitigation of Cyber Vulnerabilities

Given the reliance of robotic systems on digital infrastructure, Poland proposes a joint UN-NATO initiative to:

  • Strengthen cybersecurity standards for military robotics
  • Include mandatory resilience testing
  • Promote international cooperation to counter hacking or misuse by non-state actors

IV. Conclusion

The Republic of Poland stands resolute in its pursuit of a secure and stable international order, where the robotization of armed forces serves as a tool for peace rather than a catalyst for conflict. We believe that only through collaborative, principled governance can the global community harness this technology’s potential while mitigating its risks.

Poland looks forward to engaging with all delegations to craft a framework that upholds security, equity, and humanity in the age of robotic warfare.

Signed,
Delegate of the Republic of Poland
Disarmament and International Security Committee

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