Global Nuclear Arms Race Accelerates: SIPRI Reports 12,241 Warheads Worldwide

KKN Gurugram Desk | A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals that the nuclear arms race is gaining momentum, with nine countries expanding their arsenals over the past year. Although just America and Russia control nearly 90% of the global nuclear warheads, the total count of nuclear weapons in 2025 stands at 12,241, raising fresh concerns over global security.

The Nine Nuclear-Armed Nations

Aside from the two superpowers, the SIPRI report identifies seven other nations with operational nuclear arsenals:

• United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel are confirmed nuclear-capable states.

• Total warheads in global stockpiles: 12,241

• Warheads available in military reserves: 9,614

• Deployed (missiles and aircraft): 3,912

These figures illustrate how nuclear arms remain at the center of strategic military planning.

🇺🇸 United States: 5,177 Nuclear Warheads

• Total: 5,177

• Deployed: 1,770

• In Reserve: 1,930

• Retired awaiting disposal: 1,477

The U.S. continues to maintain a large and modern nuclear arsenal under its triad system—land-based missiles, strategic bombers, and submarines.

🇷🇺 Russia: 5,459 Total Warheads

• Total: 5,459

• Deployed: 1,718

• In Reserve: 2,591

• Retired: 1,150

Russia retains slightly more nuclear weapons than the U.S., keeping a robust stockpile to maintain its strategic deterrent posture.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 225 Warheads

• Total: 225

• Deployed: 120

• In Reserve: 105

The UK continues to focus on its Trident submarine-launched ballistic missile system, maintaining a relatively compact but credible nuclear capability.

🇫🇷 France: 290 Warheads

• Total: 290

• Deployed: 280

• In Reserve: 10

France retains a fully operational dual-capable deterrent, split between strategic subs and air-launched cruise missiles.

🇨🇳 China: Rapid Expansion to 600 Warheads

• Total: 600

• Deployed: 24

• In Reserve: 576

China has seen the fastest growth in nuclear forces, according to SIPRI. Its expanding missile and submarine programs signal a shift toward strategic parity with the U.S. and Russia.

🇮🇳 India: 180 Warheads in Reserve

• Total: 180

• Deployed: 0 (all in reserve)

India remains consistent with its minimum deterrent policy, focusing on maintaining a credible second-strike capability.

🇵🇰 Pakistan: 170 Warheads

• Total: 170 (all in reserve)

Rising regional tensions, especially along the India–Pakistan border, have fueled Pakistan’s push for nuclear modernization and expansion.

🇰🇵 North Korea: 50 Warheads

• Estimated: 50 (all in reserve)

North Korea continues to expand its nuclear arsenal amidst ongoing negotiations and sanctions, prioritizing regime survival and deterrence.

🇮🇱 Israel: 90 Warheads

• Estimated: 90 (all in reserve)

Israel maintains a deliberate policy of opacity, never officially confirming its arsenal, though its regional deterrence remains undisputed.

 Why China’s Rapid Buildup Matters

China’s nuclear expansion is the standout trend in the SIPRI report. With at least 600 warheads, Beijing has overtaken historic nuclear norms and is on track to rewrite the strategic balance.

• Fastest growing arsenal among nuclear states

• Development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and hypersonic weapons

• Potential catalyst for South Asian nuclear competition, influencing both India and Pakistan

In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to comment on SIPRI’s data during a recent press conference.

 Analysis: What the SIPRI Data Reveals

1. Renewed Nuclear Arms Race
   Global nuclear stockpiles increased between January 2024 and January 2025—contrary to public disarmament commitments.

2. Concentration in Superpowers
   Russia and the U.S. control almost 90% of weapons—still anchoring global nuclear stability.

3. Deployment Trends
   With 3,912 deployed in active service, most arsenals remain combat-ready, raising the risk of escalation.

4. Emerging Power Dynamics
   China’s rising arsenal may prompt a nuclear recalibration among neighbors and policymakers worldwide.

 Global Security Implications

• Deterrence and Strategic Stability: Expansion by China, India, and Pakistan recalibrates regional deterrence equations.

• Nonproliferation Treaties Under Stress: The report underscores the difficulties in enforcing agreements like the Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

• Global Disarmament Efforts: Voices in diplomacy urge transparency and renewed commitment to limiting nuclear arsenals.

 Regional Hotspots to Monitor

• Indo-Pak Border: Ongoing tensions may trigger nuclear avatar escalation.

• East Asia: North Korea’s existence and China’s buildup heighten strategic competition with the U.S. and Japan.

• Middle East: Israel’s ambiguity keeps the region geopolitically fragile.

What’s Next?

SIPRI calls on all nine nuclear states to:

• Engage in strategic dialogues

• Strengthen unilateral disarmament and verification systems

• Ensure transparency in modernization efforts

• Support global non-proliferation mechanisms

Only cooperative steps can prevent nuclear stockpiles from destabilizing world peace.

With over 12,000 nuclear warheads now stockpiled globally and China’s arsenal growing rapidly, SIPRI’s report presents a stark reminder: nuclear weapons remain at the heart of international military strategies.

While the U.S. and Russia continue to dominate, other nations show strategic nuclear intent. Achieving global security in this landscape calls for sustained diplomacy, stringent verification, and true commitment to nuclear restraint.