Legal Review of Drone Use as Weapons and Surveillance Tools in Armed Conflict: An International Humanitarian Law Perspective
), Johanis Stenly Franko Peilouw(2), Armelia Febrianty Waas(3)
(1) Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon, Indonesia
(2) Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon, Indonesia
(3) Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon, Indonesia
Corresponding Author
Abstract
Introduction: This article examines the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) as weapons and surveillance tools in armed conflict. The core issue lies in the potential inconsistency between current drone practices and fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, specifically distinction and proportionality.
Purposes of the Research: This research aims to analyze the legality of drone deployment in armed conflict under international humanitarian law.
Methods of the Research: This research uses a normative legal method with a literature study approach, focusing on the analysis of relevant laws and international legal documents.
Findings of the Research: Findings indicate that drone use can violate the principles of distinction and proportionality, often leading to disproportionate civilian casualties due to difficulties in distinguishing between military and civilian targets. Furthermore, the absence of specific international regulations on drone warfare creates a legal vacuum, increasing the risk of violations and abuse. Therefore, the study concludes that specialized regulations are urgently needed to align technological advancements with humanitarian law principles.Keywords
DOI
10.47268/tatohi.v5i12.3243
Published
2026-03-07
How To Cite
@article{TATOHI3243,
author = {Priska Lourens and Johanis Peilouw and Armelia Waas},
title = {Legal Review of Drone Use as Weapons and Surveillance Tools in Armed Conflict: An International Humanitarian Law Perspective},
journal = {TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum},
volume = {5},
number = {12},
year = {2026},
keywords = {Drones; Surveillance Devices; Armed Conflict; International Humanitarian Law.},
abstract = {Introduction: This article examines the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) as weapons and surveillance tools in armed conflict. The core issue lies in the potential inconsistency between current drone practices and fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, specifically distinction and proportionality.Purposes of the Research: This research aims to analyze the legality of drone deployment in armed conflict under international humanitarian law. Methods of the Research: This research uses a normative legal method with a literature study approach, focusing on the analysis of relevant laws and international legal documents.Findings of the Research: Findings indicate that drone use can violate the principles of distinction and proportionality, often leading to disproportionate civilian casualties due to difficulties in distinguishing between military and civilian targets. Furthermore, the absence of specific international regulations on drone warfare creates a legal vacuum, increasing the risk of violations and abuse. Therefore, the study concludes that specialized regulations are urgently needed to align technological advancements with humanitarian law principles.},
issn = {2775-619X}, pages = {564--575} doi = {10.47268/tatohi.v5i12.3243},
url = {https://fhukum.unpatti.ac.id/jurnal/tatohi/article/view/3243}
}
Amnesty International. “Russia/Ukraine: Latest Massive Missile Strike on Critical Infrastructure Is a War Crime.” amnesty.org, 2024. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/11/russia-ukraine-latest-massive-missile-strike-on-critical-infrastructure-is-a-war-crime/.
Bakry, Umar Suryadi. Hukum Humaniter Internasional. Jakarta: Prenadamedia Group, 2019.
Euractiv. “US Holds Russia Responsible of ‘war Crimes’ after Drone Attack Hits Kyiv Apartment Block.” euractiv.com, 2022. https://www.euractiv.com/news/us-holds-russia-responsible-of-war-crimes-after-drone-attack-hits-kyiv-apartment-block/.
Fadilah, Fahri, Prince Hadipati, Anthonius Arlen Sihotang, Muhamad Satrio Wibisono, and Herli Antoni. “Analisis Yurisdiksi Mahkamah Pidana Internasional (ICC) Dalam Kasus Surat Perintah Penangkapan Terhadap Vladimir Putin.” Yustisi 10, no. 3 (2023): 6–72. https://doi.org/10.32832/yustisi.v10i3.15202.
Financial Times. “ICC Issues Arrest Warrants for Russia’s Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov.” ft.com, 2025. https://www.ft.com/content/e84b5260-0242-46ba-b401-66be64373202.
Gabriella, Iras, Joko Setiyono, and Soekotjo Hardiwinoto. “Pelanggaran Terhadap Prinsip Proporsionalitas Dalam Kasus Penyerangan Israel Ke Jalur Gaza Menurut Hukum Humaniter Internasional.” Diponegoro Law Journal 6, no. 2 (2017): 1–18. https://doi.org/10.14710/dlj.2017.16979.
Garanich, Gleb, and Pavel Polityuk. “Mother and Son Killed in Russian Drone and Missile Attack on Kyiv.” reuters.com, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-ukraine-launch-air-attacks-each-others-capitals-2025-05-07/.
Geovanie, David Greacy, Dewa Gede Sudika Mangku, and Ni Putu Rai Yuliartini. “Penggunaan Drone Sebagai Senjata Dalam Konflik Bersenjata Ditinjau Dari Perspektif Hukum Humaniter Internasional.” Jurnal Komunitas Yustisia 5, no. 1 (2022): 1–12. https://ejournal.undiksha.ac.id/index.php/jatayu/article/view/45902.
Ghasemi, Ajda Hosseini. “Semi-Autonomous Weapon Systems in International Humanitarian Law: A Study of the New Decision-Making and Responsibility Issue in International Humanitarian Law Relating to Semi-Autonomous Weapon Systems.” Faculty of Law Lund University, 2014. https://lup.lub.lu.se/luur/download?func=downloadFile&recordOId=4580376&fileOId=4580377.
Harris, DJ. Cases and Materials on International Law. London: Sweet and Maxwell, 1982.
Heriyanto, and Dodik Setiawan Nur. Penerapan Prinsip Proporsionalitas Terhadap Penggunaan Pesawat Tanpa Awak Dalam Konflik Bersenjata. Jakarta: Raja Grafindo Persada, 2015.
Hingorani, R C. “Modern International Law.” In VRÜ Verfassung Und Recht in Übersee, 69–71. New York: Oceana Publications, 1979.
Huwae, Febby Magdalena, Irma Halimah Hanafi, and Johanis Steny Franco Peilouw. “Pertanggungjawaban Penggunaan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Dalam Konflik Bersenjata Ditinjau Dari Hukum Humaniter Internasional.” TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmiah Hukum 2, no. 10 (2022): 995–1003. https://doi.org/10.47268/tatohi.v2i10.1439.
Istanto, F Sugeng. Hukum Internasional. Yogyakarta: Atma Jaya, 1998.
Janowski, Kris, and Spokesperson. “In Ukraine Short Range Drones Become Most Dangerous Weapon for Civilians UN Human Rights Monitors Say.” ukraine.ohchr.org, 2025. https://ukraine.ohchr.org/en/In-Ukraine-Short-Range-Drones-Become-Most-Dangerous-Weapon-for-Civilians-UN-Human-Rights-Monitors-Say.
Krishnan, Armin. Killer Robots: Legality and Ethicality of Autonomous Weapons. New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group, 2009. https://www.routledge.com/Killer-Robots-Legality-and-Ethicality-of-Autonomous-Weapons/Krishnan/p/book/9780754677260.
Mamudji, Soerjono Soekanto & Sri. Penelitian Hukum Normatif: Suatu Tinjauan Singkat. Jakarta: RajaGrafindo Persada, 2019.
Martin, Elizabeth A. A Dictionary of Law. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
Permanasari, Arlina. Pengantar Hukum Humaniter. Jakarta: Jakarta International Committee of The Red Cross, 1999.
Prakoso, Bintang Adi. “Perlindungan Hukum Terhadap Kelompok Bersenjata Yang Sakit Dan Terluka Di Darat Ditinjau Dari Hukum Humaniter Internasional Dalam Konflik Bersenjata Non-Internasional Di Libya Tahun 2014.” Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta, 2018. https://repository.uajy.ac.id/id/eprint/18196/1/HK115250.pdf.
Saputra, Dimas Bagus Arya. “Perlindungan Warga Sipil Terhadap Serangan Drone (Studi Kasus Operasi Global War On Terror Yang Dilakukan Oleh Amerika Serikat).” Universitas Airlangga, 2014. https://repository.unair.ac.id/12040/15/8. DAFTAR BACAAN.pdf.
Sujatmoko, Andrey. Tanggung Jawab Negara Atas Pelanggaran Berat HAM : Indonesia, Timor Leste Dan Lainnya. Jakarta: Gramedia Widiasarana Indonesia, 2005.
Sulistia, Teguh. “Pengaturan Perang Dan Konflik Bersenjata Dalam Hukum Humaniter Internasional.” Indonesian Journal of International Law 4, no. 3 (2007): 526–55. https://doi.org/10.17304/ijil.vol4.3.157.
———. “Peran Internasional Criminal Court Dan Kejahatan Terhadap Kemanusiaan Oleh Militer.” Indonesian Journal of International Law 5, no. 1 (2007): 16–42. https://doi.org/10.17304/ijil.vol5.1.146.
Suryokumoro, Herman, Ikaningtyas, Agis Ardhiansyah, Yasniar Rachmawati Madjid, and Fransiska Ayulistya Susanto. Hukum Humaniter Internasional: Kajian Norma Dan Kasus. Malang: Universitas Brawijaya Press, 2020.
Wagiman, Wahyu. Hukum Humaniter Dan Hak Asasi Manusia: Seri Bahan Bacaan Kursus HAM Untuk Pengacara. Jakarta: ELSAM, 2005.
Wagner, Markus. “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles." Max Planck Encyclopedia of Public International Law, Rüdiger Wolfrum, Ed., Oxford University Press, Forthcoming.” University of Miami Legal Studies Research Paper 15, no. 12 (2015): 1–8. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2584652.
Wallace, Rebecca M. M., and Olga Martin-Ortega. International Law. London: Sweet and Maxwell, 2020.
Wattimena, Josina A Yvonne, Popi Tuhulele, Wilshen Leatemia, Dyah Ridhul Airin Daties, Vondaal Vidya Hattu, Welly Angela Riry, Arman Anwar, et al. Buku Ajar Hukum Humaniter Internasional. Malang: Widina Bhakti Persada, 2023.
Zakaria, Neza, and Sasmini Mintorodihardjo. “Legalitas Penggunaan Drone Yang Melintasi Perbatasan Negara Berdasarkan Hukum Internasional.” BELLI AC PACIS: Jurnal Hukum Internasional 1, no. 1 (2015): 15–24. https://doi.org/10.20961/belli.v1i1.27360.
: 0 times
Download : 0 times
| Dublin Core | PKP Metadata Items | Metadata for this Document | |
| 1. | Title | Title of document | Legal Review of Drone Use as Weapons and Surveillance Tools in Armed Conflict: An International Humanitarian Law Perspective |
| 2. | Creator | Author's name, affiliation, country | Priska Marsya Lourens; Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon; Indonesia |
| 2. | Creator | Author's name, affiliation, country | Johanis Stenly Franko Peilouw; Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon; Indonesia |
| 2. | Creator | Author's name, affiliation, country | Armelia Febrianty Waas; Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura, Ambon; Indonesia |
| 3. | Subject | Discipline(s) | |
| 3. | Subject | Keyword(s) | Drones; Surveillance Devices; Armed Conflict; International Humanitarian Law. |
| 4. | Description | Abstract | Introduction: This article examines the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) as weapons and surveillance tools in armed conflict. The core issue lies in the potential inconsistency between current drone practices and fundamental principles of international humanitarian law, specifically distinction and proportionality.Purposes of the Research: This research aims to analyze the legality of drone deployment in armed conflict under international humanitarian law. Methods of the Research: This research uses a normative legal method with a literature study approach, focusing on the analysis of relevant laws and international legal documents.Findings of the Research: Findings indicate that drone use can violate the principles of distinction and proportionality, often leading to disproportionate civilian casualties due to difficulties in distinguishing between military and civilian targets. Furthermore, the absence of specific international regulations on drone warfare creates a legal vacuum, increasing the risk of violations and abuse. Therefore, the study concludes that specialized regulations are urgently needed to align technological advancements with humanitarian law principles. |
| 5. | Publisher | Organizing agency, location | Faculty of Law, Universitas Pattimura |
| 6. | Contributor | Sponsor(s) | |
| 7. | Date | (YYYY-MM-DD) | 2026-03-07 |
| 8. | Type | Status & genre | Peer-reviewed Article |
| 8. | Type | Type | |
| 9. | Format | File format | |
| 10. | Identifier | Uniform Resource Identifier | https://fhukum.unpatti.ac.id/jurnal/tatohi/article/view/3243 |
| 10. | Identifier | Digital Object Identifier | 10.47268/tatohi.v5i12.3243 |
| 11. | Source | Title; vol., no. (year) | TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum; Volume 5 Issue 12, February 2026 |
| 12. | Language | English=en | en |
| 13. | Relation | Supp. Files | |
| 14. | Coverage | Geo-spatial location, chronological period, research sample (gender, age, etc.) | |
| 15. | Rights | Copyright and permissions | Copyright: Authors who publish their manuscripts in this Journal agree to the following conditions: 1. The copyright in each article belongs to the author, as well as the right to patent. 2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal. 3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work. 4. Authors have the right to self-archiving of the article (Author Self-Archiving Policy)
Licence : TATOHI: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum is disseminated based on the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International license terms. This license allows anyone to copy and redistribute this material in any form or format, compose, modify, and make derivatives of this material for any purpose. You cannot use this material for commercial purposes. You must specify an appropriate name, include a link to the license, and certify that any changes have been made. You can do this in a way that is appropriate but does not imply that the licensor supports you or your use.
|
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Priska Marsya Lourens, Johanis Stenly Franko Peilouw, Armelia Febrianty Waas
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
