North Korea claims successful test of AI-guided torpedo system

North Korea's state media reported that Thursday's test of the 'Zam-2.0' torpedo system demonstrated the weapon's advanced propulsion technology, which officials said had been refined through more than 180 trials over five years. The Korean Central News Agency described the weapon as a "super-speed, precisely guided" system, though specifics about its artificial intelligence functionality were not disclosed.

The torpedo test represents the latest in a series of weapons demonstrations by Pyongyang in recent weeks. North Korea conducted its first submarine-launched ballistic missile tests in nearly three years on Wednesday, signaling a strategic pivot under leader Kim Jong Un toward developing naval strike capabilities following years of focus on land-based ballistic missiles.

Military analysts have suggested the recent missile tests likely involved a previously undisclosed submarine platform. The weapons development push comes amid heightened regional tensions and marks a notable expansion of North Korea's military capabilities beyond its established missile programs.

South Korea's military has not yet commented on the North's claims. Seoul has historically maintained skepticism about Pyongyang's weapons announcements, often characterizing them as exaggerated representations of actual technological achievements. Defence analysts in the region are monitoring the developments closely for verification of the claimed capabilities.