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North Korea tests AI-guided Zam-2.0 torpedo in underwater trial
North Korea tested its new AI-equipped Zam-2.0 torpedo in an underwater trial on Thursday, verifying technical upgrades to propulsion and guidance systems. The test follows recent underwater missile launches and reflects ongoing advancements in the country's naval weapons development.
Quick Facts
- Underwater test-firing of Zam-2.0 torpedo
- Verification of technical upgrades to propulsion and guidance systems
- Integration of artificial intelligence for target detection and guidance
- Underwater launches of two types of strategic cruise missiles on Wednesday
- Development of nuclear-powered submarine
North Korea conducted an underwater test-firing of its new torpedo system, Zam-2.0, on Thursday, according to an announcement by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Saturday. The test was designed to verify technical upgrades to the weapon system, which the KCNA described as a "new-type superspeed precision-guided torpedo." Artificial intelligence technology has been incorporated into the torpedo's target detection and guidance systems, though KCNA provided no further technical details on how the AI functions.
The test was conducted by North Korea's Academy of Defence Science, the Missile Administration, and the Torpedo Weapon Research Bureau. KCNA stated that the demonstration confirmed improvements in propulsion efficiency and rocket propulsion system performance. North Korean defence officials described the test as a major success that could bring about a "significant change" in the development of the country's navy. The agency noted that more than 180 related tests had been conducted over the previous five years to develop the underlying technology.
The torpedo test follows North Korea's underwater launches of two types of strategic cruise missiles on Wednesday—the country's first publicly reported underwater missile tests in nearly three years. South Korea's military assessed that those missiles were launched from a submarine using different launch mechanisms. External analysts suggest the tests could indicate progress towards deploying submarines for weapons launches, which would complicate detection and tracking efforts.
The demonstrations occur amid an intensifying arms race on the Korean Peninsula, with both North and South Korea developing advanced weapons systems. North Korea has commissioned two 5,000-tonne destroyers and is pursuing development of submarines capable of launching strategic weapons. The country is also developing a nuclear-powered submarine, unveiled under construction in March 2025, though its completion timeline remains unclear.
Why This Matters
North Korea's incorporation of AI-guided systems and successful underwater weapon tests—including the first reported submarine-launched missiles in nearly three years—represents a measurable expansion of its naval strike capabilities. This development affects regional deterrence calculations, increases submarine-detection challenges for neighboring militaries, and signals progress toward deploying submarine-based strategic delivery systems. The tests occur alongside broader arms development on the Korean Peninsula, affecting military planning and strategic stability assessments by South Korea, Japan, and allied nations.
Timeline & Sources
Oct 16, 2026
WireNorth Korea launches two types of strategic cruise missiles from underwater platform in eastern waters