North Korea Tests AI-guided Missiles for First Time

North Korea has carried out its first tests of missiles guided by Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to state media, in the latest demonstration of the country’s advancing weapons programme.

Leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launches and was said to be satisfied with the results.

The tests involved several weapons systems, including a nuclear-capable cruise missile that Kim has pledged to deploy near the border with South Korea.

The Korean Central News Agency reported that ballistic missiles fitted with a “special mission warhead” for battlefield nuclear use were also fired.

A 240mm rocket artillery system equipped with “ultra-precision” navigation was tested alongside them.

State media claimed the trials showed the weapons and automated launch systems had been upgraded to “suit the proper conditions of modern warfare so as to enhance their application to combat.”

Kim reportedly called for further efforts to modernise artillery forces so that “no one can match” their strength.

According to reports, the launches came a day after South Korea’s military said it had detected North Korea firing multiple projectiles, including at least one close-range ballistic missile, towards its western waters.

Seoul said the missile travelled about 50 miles (80km) but gave no further details on other weapons involved.

Since diplomacy with United States (US) President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019, Kim has accelerated efforts to expand North Korea’s nuclear and missile capabilities.

He has also reportedly taken a harder line towards Seoul, declaring South Korea the North’s “most hostile enemy” and moving to cut longstanding ties.

Earlier this year, Kim warned he could “completely destroy” South Korea and said its “complete collapse” could not be ruled out.

During a meeting with military commanders last week, he reportedly discussed strengthening frontline units to turn the border into “an impregnable fortress.”

Last month, Kim attended the launch of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from Pyongyang’s new 5,000-tonne destroyer, the Choe Hyon.