North Korea has added artificial intelligence to its naval arsenal — at least, that is what Pyongyang claims. State media reported on Saturday, October 17, that the country has tested a new "super-speed" precision-guided torpedo system that uses AI technology for target detection and guidance.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the underwater test-fire of the Zam-2.0 torpedo system took place on Thursday "to confirm the successful technical updating" of the weapon. It did not disclose further details.
"AI technology was applied to the target detection and the guidance function of the new-type super-speed precisely guided torpedo," KCNA said, adding that the test had completed "more than 180 rounds of different tests over the past five years."
North Korea AI torpedo: what Pyongyang claims
Key national defence officials who oversaw the test assessed that it "served as a great success foreseeing a significant change in the actual development of the Navy," KCNA said.
"The test proved the core technology for raising the efficiency of propulsion and the performance of rocket propulsion devices," the agency added.
South Korea's military, which often accuses the North of exaggerating its military technologies, did not immediately comment on KCNA's report, according to the Associated Press.
Could it be a supercavitating torpedo?
Experts quoted by The Korea Times said the newly disclosed weapon system could be a "supercavitating torpedo," given the North's claims that rocket propulsion devices were fitted on it and the term "super-speed" used to describe it.
A supercavitating torpedo is an ultra-high-speed torpedo that creates an air bubble at its nose to overcome water resistance and travel far faster than conventional torpedoes. Other countries pursuing such weapons have reportedly faced serious technical challenges in operational deployment, particularly in maintaining effective guidance and control at high speeds underwater.
"The test launch appears to have been intended to flaunt its super-speed AI-driven torpedo, which is difficult to detect in advance and avoid, targeting the South Korean Navy's major surface ships," said Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies.
Shin Jong-woo, secretary-general of the Korea Defense and Security Forum, assessed that North Korea is developing new torpedoes to be mounted on submarines as it expands its submarine capabilities. "It is an attempt to narrow the gap in military capabilities with the South Korean Navy," he said.
Part of a wider naval push
The torpedo test is the latest in a rapid series of North Korean weapons demonstrations. Days earlier, Pyongyang said it had test-fired two types of strategic cruise missiles from a submarine — its first underwater-launched missile tests in nearly three years — after weeks of friction with Seoul over a landmine explosion along their border.
North Korea has also recently commissioned two 5,000-ton destroyers, the Choe Hyon and the Kang Kon, deployed in the West Sea and the East Sea respectively.
Earlier this month, Pyongyang announced the AI-assisted launch of an intermediate-range hypersonic missile, with Kim Yo Jong — the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un — claiming the missile used AI technology. In September, Kim Jong Un himself emphasised the need to raise "the level of artificial intelligence" in the country's weapons systems.
An arms race — and a possible summit
Saturday's announcement came as the two Koreas appear to be intensifying an arms race over advanced weapons. Days after the North's hypersonic missile claim, Seoul test-fired its own hypersonic glide vehicle, calling it a "key strategic asset capable of changing the course of the battlefield."
But analysts urge caution about Pyongyang's AI claims. Yang Moo-jin, former president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP that the North may need more time to advance its torpedo system — particularly in reducing the noise it generates underwater. "At high speeds underwater, a torpedo generates significant noise, making it easier to detect," he said. "Reducing that noise is a major technical challenge requiring advanced technology — and North Korea does not yet appear to have reached that level."
The tests also come amid speculation over a possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, as leaders prepare for November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. After several overtures met with silence from Pyongyang, Trump said this week he "may" meet Kim during his Asia tour next month.
Why it matters
Even if the AI claims are exaggerated, the trend is unmistakable: North Korea is pouring resources into naval weapons designed to threaten US and South Korean assets at sea. AI-guided torpedoes that can tell real targets from decoys — as one analyst suggested — would make naval defences harder to plan. And each test strengthens Pyongyang's hand ahead of any talks with Washington.
What happens next
South Korea's military will analyse the KCNA announcement for signs of what was actually tested, as it routinely does. More tests are likely in the coming weeks as Pyongyang keeps up its demonstration tempo — and as the possible Trump-Kim meeting approaches, every launch doubles as a message.
Key Takeaways
- North Korea said on October 17 it tested the Zam-2.0, a "super-speed" precision-guided torpedo using AI for target detection and guidance.
- The underwater test took place on Thursday; KCNA claims more than 180 related tests over five years.
- Experts say it could be a supercavitating torpedo, but caution that such weapons are extremely hard to guide at speed.
- South Korea's military did not immediately comment; analysts note Pyongyang often exaggerates its capabilities.
- The test follows submarine cruise-missile launches and an AI-assisted hypersonic missile test earlier in October.
- The announcements come amid speculation about a possible Trump-Kim meeting at November's APEC summit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is North Korea's Zam-2.0 torpedo?
According to KCNA, the Zam-2.0 is a "super-speed" precision-guided torpedo weapon system. North Korea claims artificial intelligence supports its target detection and guidance functions, and that the test verified propulsion and rocket-propulsion technology.
When did North Korea test the AI torpedo?
The underwater test-fire took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, according to KCNA. The test was publicly announced on Saturday, October 17.
Is the torpedo really AI-guided?
That is Pyongyang's claim, and it cannot be independently verified. Analysts say North Korea is likely improving its guidance software but doubt its weapons have advanced digital capabilities such as fully autonomous target designation.
What is a supercavitating torpedo?
It is an ultra-high-speed torpedo that creates an air bubble at its nose to overcome water resistance, travelling far faster than conventional torpedoes. Experts say the Zam-2.0 could be one, based on North Korea's "super-speed" description and rocket-propulsion claims.
Why is North Korea testing so many weapons now?
Analysts see several motives: narrowing the naval gap with South Korea, demonstrating that US strategic assets can be threatened, and strengthening its bargaining position ahead of a possible Trump-Kim meeting at November's APEC summit.
How has South Korea responded?
South Korea's military did not immediately comment on the torpedo claim. Seoul recently test-fired its own hypersonic glide vehicle, and analysts say the two Koreas are intensifying an arms race over advanced weapons.
Related coverage: North Korea Test-Fires Submarine-Launched Cruise Missiles · China-North Korea Yalu River Bridge Opens After 12-Year Delay
Sources
- Channel News Asia (AFP) — "North Korea says tested AI-assisted torpedo system" (October 17, 2026): channelnewsasia.com
- The Korea Times — "N. Korea tests new precision-guided torpedo using AI: KCNA" (October 17, 2026): koreatimes.co.kr
- Associated Press via La Nacion — "North Korea says it tested new torpedo system with AI capabilities" (October 17, 2026): lanacion.com.ar
By GlobalDeskNews Staff | 17 October 2026