North Korean Submarine Launched Two Years Ago Remains Non-Operational

Nearly two years after its ceremonial launch, North Korea’s submarine No. 841 Hero Kim Kun Ok has yet to enter active service.

According to plans from the North Korean leadership, the vessel was intended to become a key component of North Korea’s nuclear forces.

Official propaganda portrays submarine No. 841, launched in 2023, as an important platform for both preventive and retaliatory nuclear strikes.

However, satellite imagery recently obtained by analysts at Beyondparallel indicates that the submarine has shown little activity, having not left port for an extended period.

South Korean experts estimate the submarine can be armed with both ballistic and cruise missiles.

The vessel features ten vertical dry launchers, suggesting North Korea aims to build a serious platform for nuclear weapons delivery.

Despite these ambitions, the submarine remains covered by a tarp at the Sinpo Shipyards dock. Only part of the wheelhouse is visible through an opening.

As of the last satellite image taken on May 30, 2025, only one unidentified object remains next to the submarine, which has remained stationary for approximately five months, indicating minimal activity in that section of the base.

The timeline for Hero Kim Kun Ok to become combat-ready remains uncertain. If its conversion to a ballistic missile carrier proceeds successfully, its first sea trials could occur within 6 to 12 months.

Currently, the majority of North Korea’s submarine fleet consists of approximately 20 small submarines, designed for asymmetric warfare.

According to the North Korean command, these vessels are meant to counter the larger, more advanced submarines of Western navies.