North Korea's Kim Oversees Launch Of Missile Reportedly Using AI
State media says the missile can adjust its flight trajectory at low altitude, as Kim Jong Un calls for continued development of strategic offensive capabilities.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of a missile alongside his daughter, state media reported Sunday, with Pyongyang claiming the weapon uses artificial intelligence to adjust its flight trajectory.
The reported AI technology allows the missile to change its flight path at low altitude, according to comments previously made by Kim's powerful sister, who said the capability would make the weapon difficult to avoid.
The missile was launched early Saturday from an area near the eastern coastal city of Wonsan and traveled more than 700 kilometers (435 miles), South Korea's military said, without providing further details.
Following the launch, Kim said the country's strategic missile forces had demonstrated their capabilities and readiness for a counterattack, according to an English-language report by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
“Through today's launching drill, the strategic missile soldiers have fully demonstrated their professional qualifications and counterattack posture,” Kim said.
“We must continue our responsible efforts nonstop to constantly and repeatedly make the enemy recognize the reliability and fatality of our strategic offensive means,” he added.
KCNA reported that the launch was conducted as part of training for soldiers operating the country's “hypersonic strategic weapon system.”
Photos released by KCNA showed a missile rising into the sky amid an orange burst of flame.
Another image showed Kim smiling alongside his daughter, Ju Ae, and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, who was seen clapping.
Ju Ae, who was first introduced publicly in 2022, has increasingly appeared alongside her father at major state and military events.
South Korea's spy agency has identified her as the most likely successor to Kim, citing her growing prominence in official events.
The latest launch comes days after South Korea's military demanded an apology from Pyongyang over an explosion in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that wounded three South Korean soldiers.
Seoul blamed North Korea for the blast, while Pyongyang has denied responsibility for last month's explosion.
North Korea also described South Korea as “despicable” on Friday, amid efforts by Seoul's civilian leadership to reopen dialogue.