North Korea has carried out a fresh series of missile and artillery tests involving tactical ballistic missiles, artillery rockets and AI-guided precision cruise missiles under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media KCNA on Wednesday.
The latest weapons tests are seen as part of Pyongyang’s ongoing push to modernise its military capabilities and strengthen combat readiness near the border with South Korea.
KCNA reported that the launches were conducted to evaluate the power of special mission warheads fitted onto tactical ballistic missiles, as well as the reliability of long-range artillery rocket systems and the accuracy of AI-guided tactical cruise missiles.
Kim reportedly said the tests proved that North Korea’s weapons systems and automated launch technologies had been successfully upgraded to meet the demands of modern warfare.
The North Korean leader added that the newly tested cruise missiles are expected to be deployed with artillery units positioned close to the South Korean border.
According to KCNA, the AI-guided cruise missiles are capable of accurately striking targets located up to 100 kilometres away using precision navigation and automated targeting systems.
The reported range places central Seoul — South Korea’s densely populated capital — well within striking distance from the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas.
Military analysts noted that this is believed to be the first time North Korea has publicly claimed to use artificial intelligence technology in missile systems.
Experts said the technology likely involves automated target recognition and real-time navigation systems designed to improve missile accuracy during combat operations.
Security observers also believe North Korea may have gained valuable battlefield data after reportedly supplying Russia with ballistic missiles and artillery rockets used in the ongoing war in Ukraine since late 2023.
South Korea’s military earlier confirmed detecting multiple projectile launches from the North, including at least one ballistic missile.
The latest missile tests are expected to further raise tensions on the Korean Peninsula amid growing concerns over North Korea’s expanding weapons programme and military cooperation with Russia.
