North Korea has revealed testing a new high-speed torpedo system that employs artificial intelligence to detect and guide towards targets, claiming it as a significant achievement in naval development.
On 17 October 2026, North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the country tested a new underwater torpedo weapon system on Thursday, 15 October, to verify technological advancements. The test was declared successful and marked an important step in naval development. The new high-speed precision-guided torpedo uses artificial intelligence (AI) for target detection and navigation, while the propulsion technology has been developed through over 180 tests in the past five years.
The report also stated that the test was part of routine defense research and development aimed at enhancing the efficiency and performance of the torpedo's rocket propulsion system.
This latest test follows North Korea's announcement on 14 October that it had tested two types of strategic submarine-launched cruise missiles to assess naval operational capabilities and the reliability of military deterrence. The Pyongyang government is seeking to develop modern missile-equipped submarines alongside ballistic and cruise missile technologies.
Source: Yonhap