DoD Directive 3000.09 on Autonomy in Weapon Systems

DoD Directive 3000.09, “Autonomy in Weapon Systems,” was reissued on January 25, 2023. It applies to DoD organizations and to the design, development, acquisition, testing, fielding and employment of autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems, including guided munitions capable of automated target selection. It is not a general AI directive: the text excludes autonomous cyber capabilities, unarmed platforms, unguided munitions, manually guided munitions, mines, unexploded ordnance and non-weapon autonomous systems. The directive requires autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems to be designed so commanders and operators can exercise appropriate levels of human judgment over force. It also requires rigorous verification and validation and realistic testing and evaluation, with training, doctrine and tactics suited to the system. Those authorizing, directing or operating weapons must act with appropriate care and follow the law of war, applicable treaties, safety rules and rules of engagement. The directive does not state a categorical ban on autonomous weapons, nor does it require the same senior review for every system. For covered autonomous weapon systems, senior officials review and approve before formal development and again before fielding. The directive specifies review officials and four categories that do not require that specific additional senior review, including certain semi-autonomous systems with no autonomous mode and defined defensive anti-materiel uses. Other acquisition and legal review requirements still apply. On June 5, 2026, NSPM-11 directed the Secretary of War to issue an update within 90 days and review it annually. The official DoW directives register, checked September 26, 2026, still lists the public DoDD 3000.09 dated January 25, 2023. The memo’s direction and a published replacement are distinct; the public record had not shown a later version on that check date.