--- title: "North Korea Tests 'Haeil-2.0' Torpedo Featuring AI-Based Guidance" description: "North Korea tested a high-speed 'Haeil-2.0' torpedo with AI-based guidance on October 15, KCNA reported. The launch was part of a series of military events, including submarine cruise missile firings." date: 2026-10-17T06:55:45.902Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/north-korea-tests-haeil-2-0-torpedo-ai tags: [north-korea, torpedo, ai-weapon, military, kcna, naval, kim-jong-un] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # North Korea Tests 'Haeil-2.0' Torpedo Featuring AI-Based Guidance ![The dark fairing of the Haeil-2.0 torpedo piercing the surface of the dark sea](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/17/severnaya-koreya-ispytanie-torpedy-zam-2-0-s-ii/severnaya-koreya-ispytanie-torpedy-zam-2-0-s-ii-1.webp) ## Key Points - North Korea tested the 'Haeil-2.0' torpedo featuring artificial intelligence guidance on October 15 - The test was conducted by the Academy of Defence Science, the General Missile Bureau, and the Torpedo Weapons Research Bureau - AI technology was applied to target detection and guidance functions; over 180 previous tests over five years were claimed - The launch was part of a series of events: strategic cruise missiles from submarines were tested on October 14 - The North Korean fleet recently added two 5,000-ton class destroyers — the 'Choe Hyon' and 'Kang Kon' The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on October 17 about the successful test of a new type of high-speed, precision-guided torpedo system equipped with artificial intelligence technology. The system has been designated as 'Haeil-2.0'. According to the agency, the launch took place on October 15 through the joint efforts of the Academy of Defence Science, the General Missile Bureau, and the Torpedo Weapons Research Bureau of North Korea. The official purpose of the test was 'to confirm the achievements in the technical enhancement of a new type of torpedo weapon.' Footage published along with the report shows the dark fairing of the torpedo piercing the surface of the dark sea, leaving behind a characteristic white trail of foam. ### AI Technology in Detection and Guidance Systems A key element of the innovation, according to KCNA, was the application of artificial intelligence technology to target detection and guidance functions. The report emphasizes that the test successfully confirmed the efficiency of the propulsion system and core thrust-enhancing technologies, which defense officials said had been researched and refined over the course of more than 180 tests in the past five years. Defense officials observing the launch qualified the event as 'part of the routine activities of defense science research institutes to develop technologies for weapon systems,' while acknowledging it as 'a major achievement demonstrating significant changes in the practical development of the navy.' ### Series of Operational Events: Submarine-Launched Missiles and New Destroyers The announcement of the 'Haeil-2.0' torpedo test aligns with a series of operational military activities aimed, according to Pyongyang's assessment, at strengthening naval power. As early as October 14, a day before the torpedo launch, North Korea tested two types of strategic cruise missiles launched from submarines in the eastern region of the country. The official formulation was 'verifying the current combat readiness of underwater combat systems.' In addition, the North Korean fleet has recently been reinforced with two destroyers displacing around 5,000 tons, named 'Choe Hyon' and 'Kang Kon' and assigned to the Western and Eastern Sea fleets. ### Kim Jong Un's Policy on AI Integration in Armaments The appearance of a torpedo with built-in artificial intelligence reflects the strategic course outlined by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In September of this year, he publicly emphasized the need to raise the 'level of artificial intelligence' in the country's weapon systems. Thus, the testing of 'Haeil-2.0' can be viewed as a practical implementation of this policy at the level of tactical naval weapons. Experts note that integrating AI into torpedo systems is a trend actively pursued by other naval powers as well, yet public confirmation of such a step by North Korea remains rare and attracts the attention of analysts. ### Verification Limitations All technical parameters of the 'Haeil-2.0' system — including the characteristics of the AI module, speed, range, and the results of the 180 preceding tests — are cited exclusively from the state agency KCNA report. Independent international verification of the launch and claimed technical characteristics was not conducted at the time of publication. Nevertheless, the actual fact of the marine launch test is confirmed by visual materials accompanying the agency's report. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Северная Корея успешно испытала новую торпеду, управляемую искусственным интеллектом.](https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/trieu-tien-thu-nghiem-thanh-cong-ngu-loi-moi-trang-bi-ai) - Primary source — KCNA report dated October 17, 2026. All technical details (AI guidance, 180 tests, engine parameters) are provided solely in the state agency's statement. Independent verification is absent. The fact of the launch test is confirmed by visual materials. ## FAQ ### What is the 'Haeil-2.0' torpedo? According to KCNA reports, it is a new type of high-speed, precision-guided torpedo system in which artificial intelligence technology is applied to target detection and guidance functions. The designation 'Haeil-2.0' indicates the second generation of the system. ### When and who conducted the test? The test was conducted on October 15, 2026, through the joint efforts of North Korea's Academy of Defence Science, General Missile Bureau, and Torpedo Weapons Research Bureau. KCNA reported on it on October 17. ### How many previous tests were conducted? According to KCNA statements, the propulsion system and thrust-enhancing technologies were researched and refined through more than 180 tests over the past five years. ### What other military events did North Korea conduct this week? On October 14, North Korea tested two types of strategic cruise missiles launched from submarines in the eastern region. Additionally, the fleet recently received two destroyers displacing about 5,000 tons — the 'Choe Hyon' and 'Kang Kon'.