North Korea’s latest ballistic missile submarine (SSB), the Sinpo-C class “Hero Kim Kun-ok,” has left the dry dock where it had been stationed for an extended period, suggesting that equipment installation has been completed.
According to 38 North on February 19, the submarine was first moved to the dry dock in mid-May 2024, and by July, a protective covering was installed over it.
By the end of November, the submarine and its cover had been relocated to the southern end of the dry dock. However, satellite imagery indicates that as of February 11, the submarine has left the dry dock.
Satellite Imagery Confirms Submarine’s Movement
A satellite image from February 18 shows the dry dock empty, with the Hero Kim Kun Ok now moored at a dock within the shipyard. The stern section of the submarine is partially visible under a canopy. A Sinpo-B class submarine is also moored alongside the Hero Kim Kun-ok.
The February 11 imagery captured a mobile crane and vehicles stationed at the pier, but by February 18, both had disappeared, along with other vessels previously docked in the area.
These developments indicate that the equipment installation (fitting-out) process for the Hero Kim Kun Ok has been completed.
North Korea’s Latest Cruise Missile Test Under Trump Administration
On January 25, North Korea launched strategic cruise missiles in its first show of force since the inauguration of Donald Trump’s new administration. At the time, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the test was conducted under the supervision of Kim Jong-un.
Kwon Yong-soo, an honorary professor at Korea National Defense University, told the JoongAng Ilbo, an affiliate of the Korea Daily, stated that if the missile is capable of carrying a tactical nuclear warhead, it could be classified as a strategic weapon. He further emphasized the significance of North Korea’s efforts to operationalize medium-sized submarines such as the Hero Kim Kun Ok to extend its cruise missile range to U.S. territories like Guam.
“If North Korea can place Guam within its strike range using submarine-launched cruise missiles, the message to the United States would be significant,” Kwon noted.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
