North Korea tests AI-enabled strategic missile capable of changing flight trajectory

SEOUL — North Korea on Saturday launched an intermediate-range strategic missile capable of changing its flight trajectory at low altitude and incorporating artificial intelligence technology during a firing drill off its east coast, state media reported.Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said the North Korean leader personally oversaw the drill, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).She said South Korea and Japan tracked the missile and reported flight distances of more than 700 kilometers (435 miles) and 680 kilometers (423 miles), respectively, describing the figures as “interesting numbers.”“We have already witnessed similar announcements four times and, finally, we came to the conclusion that the superiority of the special flight mode applied to the missiles in our possession has been verified in practice,” Kim said.She claimed that tracking systems operated by North Korea’s adversaries failed to follow the missile from the point at which it began using what she described as a wave-like trajectory.“They should acknowledge the speed of the missile,” Kim said, adding that previous North Korean statements had indicated the weapon was capable of “changing its flight orbit at a low altitude” and incorporated AI technology.“There is no way to avoid this attack,” she claimed.Kim said officials from North Korea’s Missile Administration reported that recently introduced technology allows the weapon to use at least four different flight trajectory modes depending on its mission and target.Kim Jong Un expressed confidence that no other country would be able to acquire similar technology “for at least several years,” according to KCNA.The launch came 13 days after North Korea test-fired two short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area on Sept. 20. The missiles were launched within hours of each other toward the East Sea.The US military’s Pacific Command said it was aware of the latest launch and was consulting closely with allies and partners.“Based on current assessments, this event does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel or territory, or to our allies,” it said, reaffirming its commitment to the defense of the United States and its regional allies.