Létalonnage

Létalonnage is a term found in some French-language technical literatures to describe the process of calibrating the lethal potential of a device, system, or simulation to predefined safety and ethical thresholds. The concept is most often discussed in the context of weapons development, autonomous systems, and high-fidelity training environments.

Etymology and usage: The term blends létal (lethal) and calibration (calibrage), signaling an attempt to put bounds on lethality in design and testing. It remains relatively rare outside specialized circles and is the subject of ongoing ethical and regulatory debates.

Concept: Létalonnage involves identifying variables that influence lethality (energy output, targeting accuracy, exposure, timing) and adjusting them to align with policy limits or safety criteria. In simulations, it may define a lethality quotient or threshold that avoids real harm while preserving realism.

Methods and practices: Practices include risk assessments, computational modelling, and the use of surrogate or non-lethal targets in testing. Governance practices include independent ethical review, compliance with international humanitarian law, and industrial standards for safety-by-design.

Applications and controversy: Applications include defense research, law enforcement training, and regulatory compliance for emerging weapon systems or AI-enabled platforms. Critics warn that attempting to quantify lethality risks normalizing violence or creating dual-use tools; supporters argue that controlled calibration can reduce harm and improve accountability.