North Korea Announces Test of AI-Equipped Torpedo

North Korea said it tested a new torpedo system on Thursday, describing the weapon as AI-equipped and the trial as successful, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The announcement was made Saturday. The claimed capabilities and test results have not been independently verified. KCNA identified the weapon as the Zam2.0, a high-speed, precision-guided torpedo. It said artificial intelligence was used for target detection and guidance, but did not explain what functions the technology performs or how much autonomy it provides. The agency said the test verified propulsion technology developed through more than 180 tests over five years. It also described improvements in propulsion efficiency and the performance of the torpedo’s rocket-propulsion system, calling the trial part of routine defense research. No technical data or demonstration details were provided in the reports to independently assess those claims. South Korea’s military had not immediately commented on the announcement, according to the account. Experts cited in that report questioned whether North Korean weapons have advanced digital capabilities such as autonomous target designation, while saying...