North Korea claims AI-assisted missile test evaded defenses

North Korea conducted a strategic weapons firing exercise in the East Sea early on October 3 under Kim Jong Un's supervision, launching from Wonsan an intermediate-range strategic missile. South Korea reported a flight of more than 700 kilometers; Japan reported 680 kilometers. A Japanese source said it is believed to have fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. The launch came 13 days after two short-range ballistic missiles from the same area on September 20. Kim Yo Jong said via KCNA that AI integrated into the control system lets the missile change trajectory at low altitude and use at least four flight modes. Citing the range discrepancy, she said the special flight mode's superiority had been verified and that "There is no way to avoid this attack." US Pacific Command said it was aware of the launch and consulting allies, and that the event does not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, territory, or allies. South Korea's National Security Office held an emergency meeting and said the launch violated UN Security Council resolutions. Diplomats from South Korea, the United States, and Japan held a phone call on joint response. The test followed a DMZ land mine explosion that injured three South Korean soldiers; Seoul blamed North Korea, which denied responsibility.