In 2025, the global nuclear landscape is shaped by nine nations possessing nuclear capabilities. The five original nuclear-armed states—the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom—are signatories to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.
Current Nuclear Arsenal Overview
As of January 2025, the estimated number of nuclear warheads held by each country is:
- Russia: 4,309
- United States: 3,700
- China: 600
- France: 290
- United Kingdom: 225
- India: 180
- Pakistan: 170
- Israel: 90 (estimated)
- North Korea: 50 (estimated)
This distribution reflects significant disparities, particularly between regional rivals such as India and China.
India and Pakistan: Evolving Nuclear Capabilities
India, which conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, now holds approximately 180 warheads. It continues to modernise its arsenal, including the development of canisterised missiles, which enable quicker deployment and may carry multiple warheads.
Pakistan, with an estimated 170 warheads, is similarly advancing its delivery systems. Both nations are engaged in a nuclear arms buildup, heightening concerns about stability in South Asia.
China’s Expanding Arsenal
China’s stockpile has grown to around 600 warheads, with several deployed on operational platforms. According to the SIPRI report, China is aggressively modernising its nuclear forces, including the development of dual-capable missiles, enhancing both conventional and strategic capabilities.
North Korea’s Nuclear Trajectory
Having withdrawn from the NPT in 2003, North Korea has since conducted multiple nuclear tests. The regime claims its nuclear program is defensive, yet it continues to enrich uranium to near weapons-grade levels. Despite international condemnation, Pyongyang shows no signs of halting its nuclear ambitions.
Challenges to Global Arms Control
While the NPT remains the cornerstone of non-proliferation efforts, countries such as India, Pakistan, and Israel remain outside its framework, complicating global disarmament efforts. Additionally, nuclear modernisation by all nine nuclear states presents growing challenges to international security and arms control agreements.
Strategic and Regional Implications
The continued expansion and modernisation of nuclear arsenals, particularly in volatile regions, increase the risk of conflict escalation. In South Asia, tensions between India and Pakistan, compounded by their growing nuclear capabilities, could lead to miscalculations with catastrophic consequences.
Emerging Trends in Military Nuclear Capabilities
The SIPRI report underscores a broader trend: nuclear powers are increasingly investing in more sophisticated delivery systems and expanding the scope of their deterrence capabilities. The U.S. and Russia maintain the largest stockpiles, while countries like India, Pakistan, and China focus on enhancing long-range strike capabilities.