On 15 June 2026, Egypt participated in the United Nations Informal Exchange on Artificial intelligence in the military domain and its implications for international peace and security, held in Geneva pursuant to General Assembly resolution 80/58 of 1 December 2025. During the discussions, Egypt presented its views on the legal, governance and regulatory aspects of artificial intelligence in the military domain.

Egypt affirmed that the use of artificial intelligence in the military domain must remain fully subject to international law, in particular the Charter of the United Nations and international humanitarian law. Egypt also stressed that the obligation to take precautions in attack is an existing legal obligation and that compliance with this obligation should not await the adoption of new legal instruments.

With regard to international governance, Egypt supported the development of an international framework for the governance of artificial intelligence in the military domain within the United Nations, while emphasizing that the most serious priority remains lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS/AWS). It cautioned that expanding the discussion on military AI should not divert attention from, or weaken, efforts aimed at addressing these systems.

Egypt also supported – together with a number of States – the preparation of a common glossary of terminology in order to harmonize concepts and promote a shared understanding among States concerning artificial intelligence in the military domain.

Turning to the risks and challenges associated with military AI, Egypt stressed that AI systems should support human decision-making rather than replace it. It further noted that the acceleration of decision-making resulting from the use of AI, together with automation bias, may increase the likelihood of errors and unintended escalation. It emphasized that military AI systems should be subject to testing and evaluation under conditions that simulate the actual operating environment. It also stressed the need for careful legal reviews, with particular attention to systems capable of modifying their functions through self-learning.

Egypt affirmed that decisions concerning life and death should not be delegated to a machine or algorithm, stating that doing so is unethical and constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law. It further emphasized that human control should remain an essential element throughout all stages of the operation of military AI systems.

With regard to the AI life cycle, Egypt stressed, at the acquisition and procurement stage, the importance of States having a full understanding of the capabilities and limitations of AI systems, as well as the legal framework governing them, before taking decisions concerning their acquisition or use. 

It also expressed concern regarding the transfer of AI technologies to non-State actors, including terrorist groups.At the same time, Egypt emphasized that export controls should not be used to impose technological monopolies or to deny States their legitimate right to access technology in accordance with international law.

Egypt addressed the relationship between AI and other technologies, emphasizing that AI can contribute to enhancing cybersecurity, while stressing the need to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication between international processes concerning information and communications technology security. It also stressed the importance of avoiding fragmented international responses when addressing the relationship between AI and other technologies.

Particular concern was expressed regarding the integration of AI into nuclear command, control and communications (NC3), in view of the potentially catastrophic risks that may result from miscalculation or unintended escalation.

Furthermore, Egypt supported strengthening international capacity-building programmes so that they extend beyond technical aspects to include the development of legal frameworks, national policies and regulatory frameworks, thereby supporting compliance with international law.

It also emphasized that voluntary standards alone are insufficient to regulate the use of AI in the military domain. It supported the prohibition of the integration of AI into NC3 systems, the adoption of a legally binding instrument on lethal autonomous weapons systems based on a two-tier approach, and the prohibition of autonomous weapons systems that target human beings.

Regarding future work, Egypt considered that efforts should first focus on developing a shared understanding grounded in international law, followed by the development of a framework addressing the most serious risks. It further emphasized that any future process concerning AI in the military domain should strengthen, rather than weaken, the dedicated negotiating process on lethal autonomous weapons systems, which remains the most urgent priority.

* This post benefited from sources provided by Nourhan Moustafa based on documentation made by IHYIL