North Korea claims test of torpedo using AI for targeting

North Korea said on Saturday, October 17, that it had successfully tested a new torpedo system using artificial intelligence for target detection and guidance. The Korean Central News Agency identified the weapon as Zam-2.0 and said the test took place on Thursday, October 15.

KCNA said the test verified the weapon's propulsion systems, developed through more than 180 tests over five years. It did not explain what it meant by artificial intelligence. South Korea's military did not immediately comment on the announcement, leaving the claimed capabilities without an immediate assessment from Seoul.

The announcement followed underwater-launched missile tests on Wednesday, October 14, North Korea's first such tests in nearly three years. The country has been increasing weapons demonstrations as leader Kim Jong Un shifts his focus toward naval capabilities after years of ballistic missile development.

North Korean state media said on October 15 that the military had tested two types of cruise missiles designed for submarine launch in the country's eastern waters the previous day. It did not specify whether the missiles were fired from a submarine or an underwater test platform.

State media said the tests were intended to assess the readiness of underwater combat systems, improve the Navy's ability to conduct strategic missions and demonstrate the reliability of the country's nuclear deterrent. The South Korean military did not immediately comment.

The launches followed hypersonic missile tests on September 20 and October 3. North Korea said those earlier tests were intended to advance weapons designed to overwhelm missile defenses in South Korea and Japan.

Kim Jong Un has rejected U.S. and South Korean offers to resume diplomacy. His government has demanded that Washington abandon what it calls a hostile policy and drop denuclearization demands as a precondition for talks.

North Korea says it tested cruise missiles designed for submarine launch

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