Pyongyang: North Korea has announced the successful testing of artificial intelligence-guided missile systems in what state media described as a major advancement in the country’s military technology.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, leader Kim Jong Un personally supervised the launches and expressed satisfaction with the results of the tests.
The weapons trials reportedly included multiple systems, including a nuclear-capable cruise missile and battlefield ballistic missiles equipped with specialised warheads.
North Korean media claimed the missiles and launch systems had been upgraded to better match the requirements of modern warfare through the use of advanced automated technologies and precision guidance systems.
The tests also involved a 240mm rocket artillery system fitted with “ultra-precision” navigation technology. Kim reportedly called for continued efforts to modernise North Korea’s artillery and missile capabilities so the country’s military strength could remain unmatched.
The announcement came shortly after South Korea reported detecting several projectiles launched by North Korea toward waters off the Korean Peninsula. South Korean military officials said at least one short-range ballistic missile travelled around 80 kilometres during the latest launch activity.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have continued rising as North Korea accelerates efforts to strengthen its nuclear and missile programmes. Kim has significantly expanded weapons development since diplomatic talks with Donald Trump collapsed in 2019.
In recent years, North Korea has increasingly focused on advanced military technologies including cruise missiles, submarine weapons and automated defence systems.
Pyongyang has also intensified its hostile rhetoric toward South Korea, which Kim has previously described as the country’s ‘most hostile enemy’. Security analysts say the use of artificial intelligence in missile systems could increase concerns among regional powers about the speed, precision and sophistication of North Korea’s future weapons capabilities.
The latest tests are expected to draw close attention from the United States, South Korea and Japan amid growing fears over military stability in East Asia.
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