(LEAD) N. Korea conducts underwater test of new precision-guided torpedo using AI : KCNA

SEOUL, Oct. 17 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Saturday it has conducted an underwater test of a new precision-guided torpedo weapon system, noting that the test heralds a "significant" change in the North's naval capabilities.

North Korea test-fired the Zam-2.0 super-speed precision-guided torpedo weapon system Thursday to confirm the successful technical upgrade of the weapon, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). It did not disclose further details of the weapon.

Key national defense officials who oversaw the weapon test assessed that it "served as a great success foreseeing a significant change in the actual development of the Navy," the KCNA said.

North Korea said artificial intelligence (AI) technology was applied to the target detection and the guidance function of the torpedo.

"The test proved the core technology for raising the efficiency of propulsion and the performance of rocket propulsion devices," the KCNA said, adding more than 180 rounds of related tests have been conducted over the past five years.

North Korea has been pushing to strengthen its naval capabilities with weapon tests.

Pyongyang launched two types of strategic cruise missiles from what was presumed to be a 3,000-ton submarine in the East Sea on Wednesday. It also recently commissioned the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon and Kang Kon destroyers, respectively in the West Sea and the East Sea.