North Korea claims to have tested AI-enabled medium-range missile

North Korea has claimed that it tested a medium-range strategic missile equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology on Saturday. Earlier that morning, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff had said a ballistic missile was launched from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. According to Seoul, the missile flew about 700 kilometres. The office said South Korea, the United States and Japan are sharing information about the launch and have kept their defence readiness high.

A few hours later, Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said the missile could change its flight path at low altitude and that it used AI technology. However, she did not provide details of how AI was used. She also claimed that Kim Jong Un believes no other country will be able to achieve such technology for at least several years. Last month, Kim Jong Un had said the level of AI in weapons systems should be raised.

The test comes as Seoul has been pressing Pyongyang to apologise for an explosion in the demilitarised zone last month, which Seoul blames on Pyongyang. Pyongyang, which denies any involvement in the incident, warned South Korea on Friday against making "vile" remarks.

Hong Sung-pyo, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Military Affairs in Seoul, said AI could help with target information and launch operations.