This study systematically investigates the pivotal role of trust in the effective deployment of autonomous technologies within military contexts. Through a comprehensive review of 42 peer-reviewed articles, we contend that trust constitutes not merely a psychological construct but rather a fundamental determinant of operational efficacy in high-stress environments. The findings underscore that user trust in autonomous systems is intricately linked to critical factors such as system reliability, transparency, and overall user experience, thereby highlighting the multifaceted nature of human-autonomy interactions. Moreover, this research calls attention to the imperative for advancements in measurement methodologies and accountability frameworks that can foster trust and enhance collaborative efforts between human operators and autonomous systems. As military operations increasingly integrate these technologies, the insights presented in this study are intended to inform both practitioners and researchers who are exploring the intersection of technology, trust, and effective teamwork in high-stakes scenarios.
Pekarev et al. (2026) studied this question.