North Korea Tests AI-Powered Torpedo and Dual Submarine-Launched Cruise Missiles

On October 14, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea announced successful tests of two new weapons systems. The “Zam-2.0” torpedo was described by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as a “super-speed, precisely guided” torpedo that uses artificial intelligence for target detection and guidance. The second test involved launching two strategic cruise missiles from a submarine in the East Sea (Sea of Japan), presented as an assessment of underwater combat readiness.

North Korea fires two types of submarine-launched missiles in show of nuclear might

In recent weeks North Korea has intensified demonstrations of naval capability, shifting focus from its ballistic-missile program to sea-based platforms. Earlier underwater-launched missile tests, including a first-ever launch from a submarine believed capable of carrying nuclear warheads, set the stage for the October 14 exercises. KCNA links both tests to a broader effort to “strengthen naval capabilities” and improve deterrent reliability.

North Korea Tests Two Types of Submarine-Launched Strategic Cruise Missiles

• Strategic cruise missiles – Two distinct missile types were fired; analysts identify them as the longer-range Hwasal-2 and the shorter-range Pulhwasal-3-31, the latter reported to have a range of up to 2,000 km.

North Korea fires two types of submarine-launched missiles in show of nuclear might

• Launch platform – Photographs released by North Korean media suggest the 3,000-ton Hero Kim Kun Ok submarine, unveiled in September 2023, was used, though independent verification is lacking.

Interesting Engineering

• Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, said the missiles also incorporated artificial-intelligence technology, extending the AI theme to both torpedo and missile systems.

DPRK Conducted Tests of Underwater Strategic Cruise Missiles

• South Korean military: No immediate comment was offered on the AI torpedo test, consistent with past practice of questioning North Korean claims of technical breakthroughs.

North Korea says it tested new torpedo system with AI capabilities

• Launch platform identification: Korean media and some analysts infer the Hero Kim Kun Ok submarine was used, but KCNA gave no explicit confirmation and independent observers have not verified the platform.

North Korea fires two types of submarine-launched missiles in show of nuclear might

• Missile type specifics: KCNA did not name the missile models or disclose flight-time or distance data, leaving analysts to rely on visual evidence and prior statements.

North Korea fires two types of submarine-launched missiles in show of nuclear might

• Technical details of AI integration: Both KCNA and Kim Yo Jong mention “artificial intelligence” without defining the algorithms, sensors, or processing architecture involved, creating uncertainty about the actual capabilities of the Zam-2.0 torpedo and the missiles.

Euronews

• “North Korea appears to be conducting combat system tests as part of efforts to make its submarine operational,” — Shin Jong-woo, secretary general of the Korea Defense Security Forum

North Korea fires two types of submarine-launched missiles in show of nuclear might

• “If two types of SLCMs with different ranges, speeds and approach directions are launched from a submarine at staggered intervals, air defense systems would have to engage targets arriving from different directions at different times, making interception harder,” — Hong Min

North Korea fires two types of submarine-launched missiles in show of nuclear might

North Korean officials indicated the exercises were part of an ongoing series of naval demonstrations, suggesting further tests may follow, but no specific timeline was provided.

North Korea tests 2 types of submarine-launched strategic cruise missiles