World’s Nuclear Powers: There are only nine countries in the world that have nuclear weapons. These are - US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel. Did you know that the combined nuclear warhead inventory of the US and Russia makes up approximately 90% of the global nuclear arsenal? India’s nuclear stockpile is more than Pakistan’s, but much less than that of China. In fact, China added 100 nuclear warheads in a year, and its nuclear stockpile is more than 3 times that of India! What is the nuclear stockpile of each of the 9 nuclear power countries? We take a look at the latest data released by SIPRI:
Russia nuclear stockpile: According to SIPRI, Russia had a nuclear stockpile of 4,309 at the start of 2025. A downward revision in SIPRI's assessment of Russia's nuclear arsenal, compared to the previous year (4 380), primarily stemmed from their recalculation of warheads allocated to tactical nuclear forces. Russia is nearing completion of upgrading its strategic nuclear capabilities, with specific emphasis on substituting older Soviet-era ICBMs with contemporary models. (AI image for representative purpose)
Russia is nearing completion of upgrading its strategic nuclear arsenal, with specific emphasis on substituting Soviet-period ICBMs with contemporary models. These include the Sarmat heavy ICBM (designated SS-29 by the USA), both stationary and mobile variants of the Yars (SS-27 Mod 2) ICBM, and the Avangard hypersonic glide weapon system (SS-19 Mod 4). (AI image for representative purpose)
US nuclear stockpile: Similar to Russia, the United States continues to enhance and substitute its nuclear arsenal, whilst upgrading delivery platforms including aircraft, missiles, submarines and nuclear weapons manufacturing facilities. The United States' military stockpile, consisting of operational warheads, remained consistent at 3,700 units in 2024. The American modernisation efforts encompass both their strategic and non-strategic nuclear capabilities. (AI image for representative purpose)
China nuclear stockpile: According to SIPRI's assessment, China's nuclear arsenal grew from 500 warheads in January 2024 to approximately 600 in January 2025, with projections indicating continued growth in this decade. China is currently undertaking a substantial enhancement and enlargement of its nuclear weapons stockpile, the report says.
By the end of this decade, China might possess a comparable number of ICBMs as Russia or the USA, despite maintaining a significantly smaller overall nuclear warhead inventory compared to these two nations. (AI image for representative purpose)
France's nuclear stockpile has maintained stability at approximately 290 warheads as of January 2025. Throughout 2024, the nation advanced its nuclear modernisation initiatives. France sustained its development of a third-generation SSBN and a new air-launched cruise missile (ALCM)—the ASN4G—whilst simultaneously undertaking refurbishment and enhancement of current systems. (AI image for representative purpose)
UK nuclear stockpile: The United Kingdom has maintained its existing nuclear weapons stockpile at 225 in 2025 without any additions. Nevertheless, an expansion is anticipated in the coming years, following the British government's 2021 declaration and subsequent 2023 confirmation to increase the maximum warhead capacity from 225 to 260 units. (AI image for representative purpose)
India nuclear stockpile: India's nuclear arsenal reached 180 warheads by January 2025, according to SIPRI. The nuclear weapons were distributed across a maturing triad system comprising aircraft, ground-based missiles and SSBNs.
Whilst Pakistan continues to be the primary consideration for India's nuclear deterrence strategy, there is an increasing focus on developing extended-range weapons systems with the capability to strike targets across China, the report says. (AI image for representative purpose)
Traditionally, India has maintained its nuclear warheads separately from deployed launchers during peace periods. However, recent developments, including the deployment of missiles in canisters and sea-based deterrence operations, indicate a possible shift towards keeping some warheads attached to their launchers during peacetime, says SIPRI. (AI image for representative purpose)
Pakistan nuclear stockpile: Pakistan's nuclear arsenal remained constant at approximately 170 warheads as of January 2025. Throughout 2024, the nation persisted in advancing its emerging three-pronged nuclear delivery system, comprising aircraft, land-based ballistic and cruise missiles, and sea-launched cruise missiles. (AI image for representative purpose)