World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
North Korea tests AI-guided precision torpedo underwater
North Korea says it tested a new precision-guided torpedo underwater on Thursday.
The state news agency KCNA said the weapon is called the Zam-2.0 and uses artificial intelligence to detect targets and guide it.
The test was meant to check technical upgrades, including propulsion technology developed through more than 180 tests over five years.
KCNA described the test as a success and a significant step in naval development.
The test comes as North and South Korea are developing weapons amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea has also recently reported tests of submarine-launched cruise missiles, while South Korea tested a domestically developed hypersonic missile.
The reports give no details of any further torpedo tests or next steps.
North Korea says it tested an underwater, AI-guided precision torpedo to verify technological upgrades.
The test involved the Zam-2.0 super-speed precision-guided torpedo, according to KCNA as reported by Yonhap.
KCNA said artificial intelligence was used for target detection and guidance.
The agency said the test was successful and verified propulsion technology developed through more than 180 tests over five years.
- Who
- North Korea conducted the test, according to state news agency KCNA.
- What
- It tested an underwater precision-guided torpedo that uses AI for target detection and guidance.
- When
- The test was reported as having taken place on Oct. 16.
- Where
- Underwater; the specific location was not stated.
- Why
- To verify technological upgrades and propulsion technology, KCNA said.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
North Korea said it had tested two types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles.
North Korea conducted an underwater test of the new precision-guided torpedo, according to reports citing KCNA.
KCNA reported the torpedo test and described it as successful.
- Weapon
- Zam-2.0 super-speed precision-guided torpedo
- AI use
- Target detection and guidance
- Propulsion testing
- More than 180 related tests over five years
- Test setting
- Underwater
- Report date
- Oct. 17, 2026
9 sources
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What people are saying
served as a great success foreseeing a significant change in the actual development of the Navy
The test proved the core technology for raising the efficiency of propulsion and the performance of rocket propulsion devices