North Korea says it tested new AI-powered torpedo system

North Korea announced on Saturday, 17 October, that it had tested a new torpedo system called the Zam-2.0. According to the state news agency KCNA, the weapon is "super-speed" and "precisely guided", and uses artificial intelligence to help detect targets and steer the torpedo. The test is part of a recent series of weapons demonstrations by Pyongyang, carried out amid growing tensions with neighbouring South Korea.

KCNA's report said the test verified the weapon's propulsion systems.

Earlier tests

The torpedo test followed Wednesday's launch of two types of underwater-launched strategic cruise missiles. These are thought to have been fired from a submarine, and the tests are believed to be part of an effort to strengthen the country's naval capabilities.

In recent weeks North Korea has also carried out several ballistic missile tests as it seeks to expand its arsenal.

Remarks by the US president

In August, US President Donald Trump told reporters that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had "57 very powerful nuclear weapons", while again highlighting his relationship with Kim. "You know what, the fact that I get along with him, that's a good thing not a bad thing," Trump said, adding that Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal should "never" have been allowed to come about.

Trump said at the time that he intended to meet Kim later this year, though he gave no further details. Earlier this month, the president also claimed he was preventing a war between North and South Korea "on a constant basis".