North Korea tests new high-speed torpedo system

On Monday, North Korea conducted a successful test of a new high-speed torpedo weapon system, according to the official state media agency KCNA. The system, developed by national defense scientific research institutes, is scheduled to be integrated into the North Korean navy beginning in early 2027 after combat effectiveness was verified during the trial.

This development follows a series of accelerated military testing activities by Pyongyang in recent weeks, involving missiles, drones, and other naval weaponry. In mid-October, authorities also reported the testing of a precision-guided torpedo utilizing artificial intelligence for target acquisition. Leader Kim Jong Un has identified the modernization of the navy as a top strategic priority. The country previously launched two 5,000-ton destroyers in 2025 and has signaled intentions to develop a new class of 10,000-ton vessels to bolster its maritime capabilities.

While state media provided limited technical specifics regarding the latest torpedo, the announcement confirms that the hardware is slated for operational deployment in the near future. These advancements occur amidst a broader effort by the North Korean government to modernize its armed forces under the directive of Kim Jong Un.