North Korea Claims Test of Zam-2.0, an AI-Guided Torpedo System
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North Korea said Saturday it had successfully tested a new torpedo system that uses artificial intelligence to detect and guide itself toward targets. The test is the latest in a string of weapons demonstrations that point to growing attention on naval forces.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the weapon, named Zam-2.0, was tested Thursday, according to ABC News. South Korea's military, which often accuses the North of overstating its weapons technology, did not immediately comment on the report.
What North Korea says it tested
KCNA described Zam-2.0 as a "super-speed, precisely guided" torpedo system, as reported by both ABC News and Euronews. The agency said artificial intelligence helps with target detection and guidance. According to ABC News, the report did not explain what it meant by artificial intelligence.
The state news agency said the test verified the weapon's propulsion systems. Those systems, it said, were developed through more than 180 tests over the past five years.
Experts question the AI claims
ABC News reported that some experts believe North Korea is probably improving its guidance software. They doubt, however, that its weapons truly have advanced digital capabilities, such as autonomous target designation.
The claim is not new. According to ABC News, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said missiles tested on Oct. 3 also used artificial intelligence technology.
A run of tests in the air and underwater
The torpedo announcement follows other recent launches, according to the two outlets:
- On Wednesday, North Korea tested two types of underwater-launched strategic cruise missiles, Euronews reported. ABC News described them as the country's first underwater-launched missile tests in nearly three years.
- Experts told ABC News the missile tests likely involved a submarine that has not yet been deployed. Pyongyang has said the vessel is designed to launch nuclear weapons. Euronews said the missiles are thought to have been fired from a submarine.
- North Korea also tested hypersonic missile systems of various ranges on Sept. 20 and Oct. 3, according to ABC News.
Why it matters: a pivot toward the sea
ABC News reported that Kim Jong Un is shifting his focus to naval capabilities after years of concentrating on ballistic missile development. A torpedo system, underwater-launched missiles and a submarine that Pyongyang says is meant for nuclear weapons all fall under that shift.
According to ABC News, the hypersonic tests are part of an effort to expand weapons designed to overwhelm missile defenses in South Korea and Japan. Euronews reported that the tests come amid growing tensions with South Korea.
For readers, the practical takeaway is about the direction of the regional security picture rather than any immediate change. Pyongyang says it is adding new types of weapons, but outside experts say its claims about advanced AI features are doubtful and cannot be independently confirmed from the reports.
Diplomacy remains stalled
ABC News reported that Kim has halted all diplomacy and cooperation with South Korea in recent years and calls it a permanent enemy. Nuclear negotiations with Washington have been at a stalemate for years.
Euronews noted that in August, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Kim had 57 very powerful nuclear weapons. Trump said his good relationship with Kim was a positive thing, and that the arsenal should never have been allowed to develop. Trump said at the time he intended to meet Kim later this year, without giving further details. Euronews also reported that Trump claimed earlier this month he was preventing a war between North and South Korea on a constant basis.
South Korea's military has not yet responded publicly to the torpedo announcement, according to ABC News.
