The nine nuclear-world countries of the world-America, Russia, Britain, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel-2024 were busy further upgrading their nuclear weapons. These countries upgrade old weapons and include new, more powerful weapons in their forces. This situation is becoming a major threat to global security.
Number and status of nuclear weapons
As of January 2025, estimated 12,241 nuclear weapons were present in the world. Of these, about 9,614 arms were ready for use in military reserves. Around 3,912 weapons were deployed on missiles and aircraft, while the rest were placed in central storage. Around 2,100 stationed weapons were in high vigilance on ballistic missiles, most of which Russia and the US were with. Experts believe that now China can also keep some weapons deployed on missiles.
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Nuclear weapons decreased phase is over
After the end of the Cold War, Russia and America continued to destroy old weapons, decreasing the number of global nuclear weapons. But now this trend is changing. The speed of destroying old weapons is slowing down, while deployment of new weapons is increasing rapidly.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Expert Hans M. Kristensen said that the era of decrease in the number of nuclear weapons is ending. Now we are looking at the tendency to increase nuclear weapons, sharp rhetoric and weapon control agreements.
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Russia and America: the biggest player
Russia and America have 90% of the world’s nuclear weapons. In 2024, the military reserves of the two countries remained stable, but both are engaged in modernizing their nuclear weapons. If the 2010 New Start Agreement, which is ending in 2026, is not renewed again, the number of weapons stationed on the missiles of both countries may increase.
America’s nuclear modernization program was struggling with the problems of planning and funding in 2024, which could increase the cost. Russia also faced challenges, such as the new Sarmat missile test failure. Nevertheless, both countries can increase the number of nuclear weapons in future.
China’s rapid progress
According to SIPRI, China now has at least 600 nuclear weapons. Since 2023, China has been increasing its weapons by 100 every year. By January 2025, China created 350 new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) Silo or almost complete. If China moves at the same pace, then by the end of the decade it can have as much ICBM as Russia or America. However, even if China has 1,500 weapons by 2035, it will be only one-third of the reserves of Russia and America.
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Status of India and Pakistan
India made a slight increase in its nuclear weapons in 2024 and developed new delivery systems. India’s new “canistent” missiles, which can carry nuclear weapons, can also be deployed in peacekal. Some missiles may be able to carry more than one weapon.
Pakistan is also developing a new delivery system. The reserves of nuclear material are increasing. In the beginning of 2025, there was an armed struggle between India and Pakistan, which posed a threat to a nuclear crisis. SIPRI expert Matt Corda said that this incident is a warning for countries that are increasing dependence on nuclear weapons.
Activities of other countries
- Britain: In 2024, Britain did not increase its number of nuclear weapons, but plans to increase in future. The new government committed to build four new nuclear-pandubbis.
- France: France continued to upgrade new submarines, cruise missiles and existing systems.
- North Korea: North Korea now has 50-58 weapons. He can make 40 more. In 2024, he spoke of developing “Tactical Nuclear Weapons”.
- Israel: Israel, which does not publicly accept its nuclear weapons, advanced the reactor site in missile technology and Dimona in 2024.
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Arms control crisis
SIPRI director Dan Smith warned that nuclear weapons control between Russia and America is almost over. There is less possibility of any new agreement after New Start. The US wants China to include China, which makes the conversation more complicated.
Impact of new techniques
New technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber technology, space assets and missile defense are changing nuclear capabilities. These techniques can affect the safety of nuclear weapons. The risk of wrong decisions in crisis can increase. Smith said that the race for new weapons is more risky than before. Old arms control methods will no longer work.
Discussion of nuclear weapons in more countries
In East Asia, Europe and Middle East, debate on nuclear weapons is intensifying. Some countries are considering developing their nuclear weapons. Belarus and Russia claimed that Russia has deployed nuclear weapons in Belarus. Some NATO countries in Europe are ready to keep American weapons. France said that its nuclear weapons are for the protection of Europe.