Global Nuclear Stockpiles on the Rise Again After Years of Decline

Nuclear Arsenals Are Expanding Worldwide Once More

According to Главком: In 2025, the nine nuclear-armed states continued upgrading and increasing their weapons stockpiles. By January 2026, the world held approximately 12,187 nuclear warheads. Of these:

• 9,745 were in military inventories;
• over 4,000 were deployed on missiles and aircraft;
• roughly 2,100–2,200 were kept on high operational alert.

This marks a reversal from years of drawdowns, raising alarm among international security analysts.

Nuclear powers are moving away from disarmament commitments. Nearly all warheads on high alert belong to Russia and the United States, which together account for about 83% of the world's total nuclear arsenal. Notably, China and India have begun more frequently deploying nuclear warheads on delivery systems during peacetime. This shift in nuclear posture could have serious consequences for global stability.

Russia continues to modernize its strategic forces, though its program is hampered by sanctions and the costs of the war in Ukraine, which have delayed some projects. A recent test of the 'Sarmat' intercontinental ballistic missile ended in failure. Meanwhile, North Korea officially brought a new uranium enrichment facility online. Leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to expand the country's nuclear stockpile at an 'exponential rate' and ordered increased production to meet long-term strategic goals.

'There is mounting evidence that nuclear states are sidelining or outright abandoning their disarmament pledges, instead flexing their nuclear muscle.'

Hans Kristensen, Senior Research Fellow at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

The growth of nuclear arsenals poses a threat to global security, as it could fuel new tensions between nations. The rising number of warheads and their deployment on delivery systems shows that countries are not only stepping back from disarmament but are actively strengthening their combat capabilities. This trend may undermine international efforts to preserve peace and stability worldwide.

The escalating arms race is not limited to the traditional nuclear powers; China's significant military infrastructure expansion is aimed at enhancing the security of its nuclear capabilities. This development underscores the broader trend of nations prioritizing their nuclear arsenals amidst declining disarmament efforts, further complicating the international security landscape.