Soviet Submarine M-171 Ready to Fire Its Gun — Arctic Ocean, 1943

July 2, 2025 - Reading time: 2 minutes

Soviet submarine M-171 prepares to fire its bow gun in a salute after sinking another enemy ship during the Battle for the Arctic, 1943. A powerful moment of victory from the Northern Fleet.

In this striking image, we see the Soviet Gvardeyskaya submarine M-171, a proud member of the Northern Fleet, preparing to fire its bow gun in a celebratory salute following another successful strike against Nazi ships during the Battle for the Arctic. The M-171, commanded by the legendary Hero of the Soviet Union, Valentin Georgievich Starikov, was a formidable weapon in the Soviet navy's fight for control over the Arctic waters.

The M-class submarines, nicknamed "Malyutka" (the "Little Ones"), were renowned for their speed and stealth, making them ideal for hit-and-run tactics against the enemy. As the submarine prepares for the shot, the icy waters of the Arctic reflect the determination and courage of those who fought in one of the most grueling theaters of World War II.

Technical photo data:
📍 Location: Arctic Ocean, USSR
📅 Date of photo: 1943
📷 Photographer: Robert Diamant