Department of Defense
DIRECTIVE
NUMBER 3000.09
November 21, 2012
Incorporating Change 1, May 8, 2017
USD(P)
SUBJECT: Autonomy in Weapon Systems
References: See Enclosure 1
1. PURPOSE. This Directive:
a. Establishes DoD policy and assigns responsibilities for the development and use of
autonomous and semi-autonomous functions in weapon systems, including manned and
unmanned platforms.
b. Establishes guidelines designed to minimize the probability and consequences of failures
in autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems that could lead to unintended
engagements.
2. APPLICABILITY. This Directive:
a. Applies to:
(1) OSD, the Military Departments, the Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff and the Joint Staff (CJCS), the Combatant Commands, the Office of the Inspector General
of the Department of Defense, the Defense Agencies, the DoD Field Activities, and all other
organizational entities within the DoD (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “DoD
Components”).
(2) The design, development, acquisition, testing, fielding, and employment of
autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems, including guided munitions that can
independently select and discriminate targets.
(3) The application of lethal or non-lethal, kinetic or non-kinetic, force by autonomous or
semi-autonomous weapon systems.
