North Korea claims successful test of new AI-equipped torpedo system

North Korea announced on Saturday that it successfully tested a new torpedo system featuring artificial intelligence capabilities for target detection and guidance. The test of the weapon, named Zam-2.0, took place on Thursday according to the Korean Central News Agency, though the state media report did not explain what was meant by artificial intelligence. The verification process covered propulsion systems developed through more than 180 tests over the past five years. South Korea’s military did not immediately comment on the report, having frequently accused the North of exaggerating its military technologies.

The weapons test comes as North Korea ramps up recent demonstrations, including underwater-launched missile tests and various hypersonic missile systems designed to overwhelm missile defenses in South Korea and Japan. Leader Kim Jong Un has shifted focus toward naval capabilities following years of ballistic missile development. Experts suggest recent missile tests likely involved a yet-to-be-deployed submarine designed to launch nuclear weapons. Furthermore, Kim Yo Jong previously claimed that missiles tested on October 3 also utilized artificial intelligence technology.

Despite these announcements, some experts express doubt regarding the true advancement of these digital capabilities, suggesting that while guidance software may be improving, autonomous target designation remains questionable. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has halted diplomacy and cooperation with South Korea, labeling it a permanent enemy amid a prolonged stalemate in nuclear negotiations with Washington.