North Korea has reportedly used artificial intelligence for the first time in its missile technology, according to the state-run KCNA news agency on Wednesday. Pyongyang tested a “newly-developed lightweight multi-purpose missile launching system and multiple tactical cruise missile weapon system” on Tuesday under Kim Jong Un’s supervision, KCNA reported.
Details of the Test
The launches included a tactical ballistic missile, artillery rockets, and tests involving “the AI-guided hit accuracy of [a] tactical cruise missile.” KCNA quoted Kim Jong Un as expressing “great satisfaction” over the introduction of “important ultra-high defence science and technologies” into practical weapon tests.
Analysts noted this is the first time North Korea has publicly acknowledged using AI in missile technology, which employs real-time data to identify and lock onto targets. “It’s about using AI when recognising the target and guiding the missile,” said Yang Uk, a military expert at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies.
Previous AI Use and Strategic Context
Pyongyang had earlier indicated using AI technology in its drones. North Korea has invested heavily in developing nuclear and missile arsenals, adopting an increasingly aggressive stance toward South Korea. Tuesday’s tests coincided with South Korea’s president holding a meeting on acquiring nuclear-powered submarines.
KCNA reported Kim as saying that “today’s tests of major weapon systems are a clear signal of upgrading of our military force and an event of showing great technical progress in the strengthening of our army’s combat power.”
Technical Advances
North Korea’s tactical cruise missile now reportedly uses advanced navigation systems, including terrain-matching navigation and AI terminal guidance, to accurately strike “any target 100 kilometres away by multimode flight based on gliding and propelling.” Kim added: “The line of our Party and government to steadily accelerate the strengthening of the nuclear force and conventional armed force remains unchanged.”
The South Korean military detected multiple projectiles fired on Tuesday, including a short-range ballistic missile from near Chongju in North Pyongan province towards the West Sea, which flew 80km before falling into the sea.
Global AI in Military
The US military already deploys a range of AI tools, including in the war with Iran, according to Centcom chief Brad Cooper. He said: “Our war fighters are leveraging a variety of advanced AI tools. These systems help us sift through vast amounts of data in seconds so our leaders can cut through the noise and make smarter decisions faster than the enemy can react.” In a video message, he added: “Humans will always make final decisions on what to shoot and what not to shoot and when to shoot, but advanced AI tools can turn processes that used to take hours and sometimes even days into seconds.”
