North Korea Tests AI-Powered Tactical Cruise Missile
North Korea’s primary state propaganda agency reported on Wednesday that Kim Jong Un oversaw a successful test of a “tactical cruise missile” that utilizes artificial intelligence.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that the test occurred on Tuesday, involving a “newly developed lightweight multi-purpose missile launch system” and multiple tactical cruise missile weapon systems. The tests also assessed the power of specialized mission warheads for tactical ballistic missiles.
According to KCNA, advancements were achieved due to the reliability of the 240mm controlled artillery rocket, enhanced by an ultra-precision autonomous navigation system that aims to expand its range, along with the accuracy of the AI-guided tactical cruise missile.
Experts suggest that the North Korean regime has deeply invested in AI technology for military enhancements over the years, even while its population has suffered. Recently, North Korea has emphasized its use of AI in military applications, with Kim suggesting that dominance in this area is crucial for ending the 73-year armistice established after the Korean War.
During the test, KCNA claimed that the cruise missile incorporated an “AI terminal guidance function,” improving targeting accuracy, and can strike precisely at distances of 100 kilometers.
Kim reportedly expressed a “great sense of satisfaction” during the inspection of the experiment and commented on the necessity of such destructive capability, implying that it would be theoretically impossible for opposing troops to survive a confrontation.
The North Korean military appeared to confirm some military experimentation on Tuesday, as the Yonhap news agency noted that they detected several short-range ballistic missile launches toward the Yellow Sea. These short-range missiles are typically understood to have ranges of less than 300 kilometers, aligning with KCNA’s mention of the missile’s 100-kilometer range. This suggests a strategy to unsettle South Korea and Japan rather than directly threaten the United States.
Interestingly, although North Korea has conducted similar missile tests in the past, Kim has shifted his rhetoric in recent times. Instead of targeting the United States with harsh words, he seems to be focusing on promoting North Korean communism and strengthening ties with China and Russia, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rumors arose about Kim’s health during this period as relations between North Korea and Russia grew stronger, culminating in a significant meeting with President Vladimir Putin in 2024. Their mutual defense agreement followed reports indicating that North Korean soldiers were deployed to support Russia in Ukraine, where they received what can only be described as celebratory recognition for their involvement.
While the specifics of North Korea’s AI ambitions remain somewhat ambiguous, it is apparent that they have pursued advancements in AI and machine learning for decades. Research highlights that since the 1990s, North Korea has shown interest in using AI not merely as a military tool but also as a potential economic asset amid ongoing sanctions.
Following the mutual defense pact with Russia, North Korea has become more vocal about its military AI capabilities. In March 2025, KCNA reported a successful test of a suicide drone that utilized AI. By September, Kim had emphasized the importance of AI in enhancing drone weaponry as a key priority for modernization.
A report from the Korea Institute for National Security Strategy hinted that North Korea has made notable advancements in AI technology, especially concerning surveillance and cyber operations. The trajectory of these developments seems poised to continue evolving in the context of both military and economic strategies.
