Underwater test of an AI torpedo

North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported a test of a 'new type' of precision torpedo that uses artificial intelligence in its guidance and target detection systems. The underwater trial of the system, called Zam-2.0, took place on Thursday, 15 October, according to the agency, which described the weapon as a super-fast model with high-precision guidance. KCNA said the AI technology had been applied to target detection and to the guidance function of the new torpedo. The agency said the test validated a technical upgrade that followed more than 180 development cycles over five years. KCNA also framed the trial as part of routine research into modernising weapons systems, and said it showed progress in the torpedo's propulsion systems and performance parameters.

Cruise and ballistic launches earlier in the week

On Wednesday, 14 October, North Korea launched two types of strategic cruise missiles toward the Sea of Japan, which KCNA said had no negative impact on the security of neighbouring countries. State media said the missiles can carry nuclear warheads and can be launched from submarines, but did not specify whether these were fired from a submarine or from an underwater test platform. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Monday, 12 October, that it had detected several ballistic missiles launched from the Pyongyang area, which flew more than 900 kilometres. Japan's Ministry of Defense said on X that it had detected the projectile falling. These launches came after a ballistic missile fired on 3 October fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone without causing damage.

Hypersonic tests and Kim's push for AI

South Korea said on Thursday, 15 October, that it had successfully tested the first hypersonic missile it has developed, a system that remains in research and development. In early October, Pyongyang said it had successfully tested a medium-range hypersonic missile that uses AI to adjust its flight trajectory at low altitude. In September, Kim Jong Un pointed to the need to improve the use of artificial intelligence in North Korean weapons systems. The torpedo test follows closely after the cruise missile launches and the hypersonic test, all of them announced within roughly two weeks.

Timeline of recent tests

The sequence of launches and tests reported between early and mid-October is set out in the chart below, with dates as the source reports give them.

North Korean state media presents each test as part of its effort to strengthen naval, missile and nuclear deterrence capabilities. Neither the torpedo announcement nor the missile reports from Seoul and Tokyo have so far been accompanied by any reported damage on land or at sea.