The world in 2025 has over 12,500 nuclear warheads, with only a fraction deployed and ready to launch. While five countries are recognised as nuclear weapon states under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), several others operate outside its framework.
| 🏳️ Country | Estimated Total Warheads | Estimated Deployed Warheads |
| Russia | ~ 5,459 | ~ 4,309 in military stockpile (fas.org) |
| United States | ~ 5,177 | ~ 3,700 in military stockpile |
| China | ~ 600 | ~ 600 military stockpile |
| France | ~ 290 | ~ 290 military stockpile |
| United Kingdom | ~ 225 | ~ 225 military stockpile |
| India | ~ 180 | ~ 180 military stockpile |
| Pakistan | ~ 170 | ~ 170 military stockpile |
| Israel | ~ 90 | ~ 90 military stockpile |
| North Korea | ~ 50 | ~ 50 military stockpile |
| Total (global) | ~ 12,241–12,331 | ~ 9,600–9,614 in military stockpiles |
Key notes:
The U.S. developed the world’s first nuclear weapons during WWII and tested the first atomic bombs in 1945. It quickly built a triad of delivery systems—bombers, missiles, submarines—and amassed a huge arsenal, peaking at over 31,000 warheads during the Cold War. After the fall of the Soviet Union, its stockpile significantly shrank. As of January 2025, it holds about 5,177 warheads, with around 3,700 deployed strategic warheads and 100 deployed non-strategic warheads nypost.com
Inherited the Soviet Union’s massive nuclear stockpile in 1991. First tested in 1949, Russia subsequently developed both fission and fusion bombs, including the massive 50‑megaton Tsar Bomba. Peak inventories reached around 45,000 warheads in 1990. Today it retains the largest nuclear force—about 5,459 warheads, with approximately 1,718 deployed strategic systems en.wikipedia.org.
China detonated its first atomic bomb in 1964 and its first hydrogen bomb in 1967. Its arsenal has been steadily growing, from around 500 warheads in January 2024 to about 600 by January 2025, with projections of continued expansion .
France joined the nuclear club with its first test in 1960. It maintains a sea- and air-based nuclear deterrent. As of early 2025, its total stockpile is approximately 290 warheads brilliantmaps.
The UK conducted its first nuclear test in 1952 and relies on submarine-launched ballistic missiles (Trident) and, recently, F‑35 jets capable of carrying U.S. B61 bombs. It currently holds about 225 warheads businessinsider.com.
India tested its first nuclear device in 1974 and conducted further tests in 1998. It has rapidly expanded, reaching around 180 warheads as of January 2025, enhanced by canisterized missile systems capable of launch readiness during peacetime .
Responded to India’s program by testing its own weapons in 1998. As of January 2025, it holds about 170 warheads. The arsenal is supported by ongoing production of fissile material and delivery systems amid regional tensionsbrilliantmaps.
Likely developed nuclear capability by the late 1960s, though never officially declared. As of early 2025, it is estimated to possess around 90 warheads, maintaining strategic ambiguity to deter regional adversaries .
Left the NPT in 2003, conducted its first nuclear test in 2006, and has since expanded its arsenal. It is estimated to possess roughly 50 warheads, with enough fissile material to build up to 90 weapons english.mathrubhumi.com.
Developed six small nuclear devices privately between 1979–1989. In 1990, President de Klerk’s government voluntarily dismantled the arsenal and joined the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1991, becoming the first nation to fully abolish its own nuclear weapons .
Inherited the world’s third-largest nuclear stockpile after the USSR collapsed in 1991. Under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine relinquished all warheads to Russia by 1996 and committed to NPT as a non‑nuclear state .
Also inherited nuclear weapons in 1991. It returned them to Russia by 1995 and joined the NPT as a non‑nuclear weapon state, dismantling its inherited arsenal .
Briefly held Soviet warheads upon independence in 1991. Belarus transferred them back to Russia and acceded to the NPT, completing its disarmament by 1996.
Source: brilliantmaps.com.
These nations are part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and possess nuclear weapons either independently or under NATO's nuclear sharing program.
NATO Nuclear Sharing is a key part of NATO’s nuclear deterrence policy. It allows non-nuclear NATO members to participate in the planning and delivery of nuclear weapons, even though they do not own them.
These nations are part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and possess nuclear weapons either independently or under NATO's nuclear sharing program.
| Country | Estimated Nuclear Warheads | Notes |
| United States | ~5,244 total (1,770 deployed) | First nuclear power (1945); major arsenal and key NATO member |
| United Kingdom | ~225 total (120 deployed) | Submarine-based Trident system; key NATO nuclear state |
| France | ~290 total (280 deployed) | Independent nuclear policy; sea and air-based delivery systems |
| Country | Estimated Nuclear Bombs Hosted | Delivery Aircraft Used |
| Germany | ~15–20 (B61 gravity bombs) | Tornado aircraft (being replaced by F-35) |
| Italy | ~15–20 | Tornado & F-35A aircraft |
| Belgium | ~10–15 | F-16 (transitioning to F-35A) |
| Netherlands | ~10–15 | F-16 (transitioning to F-35A) |
| Turkey | ~20 | F-16 (uncertain political future) |
The U.S. was the first country to develop and use nuclear weapons in WWII. Its arsenal peaked during the Cold War, but major reductions followed treaties with Russia. In 2025, it focuses on modernising its nuclear triad while maintaining strategic deterrence.
Russia inherited the Soviet Union’s vast nuclear stockpile. Today, it maintains the world’s largest nuclear arsenal and invests heavily in new delivery systems like hypersonic missiles and nuclear torpedoes.
China maintains a policy of "minimum credible deterrence", but its arsenal has steadily grown. In 2025, it's expanding its silo fields and deploying advanced delivery systems, signalling a shift toward a more assertive nuclear posture.
France emphasises an independent nuclear deterrent. Its force de frappe is submarine- and air-based. While it supports disarmament, France sees nuclear weapons as essential to European defence.
Britain has reduced its arsenal over the years but reversed course recently due to geopolitical threats. It relies solely on Trident submarines, sharing components with the U.S.
India became nuclear-capable in 1974 with "Smiling Buddha." It maintains a "No First Use" policy but continues developing delivery systems. India’s nuclear stance is shaped by regional threats from China and Pakistan.
Pakistan responded to India with its own tests in 1998. It prioritises short-range tactical nukes for battlefield use. Its nuclear command is highly centralised and alert due to regional tensions.
North Korea
North Korea left the NPT in 2003 and has since conducted numerous tests. In 2025, it continues to develop ICBMs capable of reaching the U.S. Its programme is key to regime survival and global bargaining power.
Several regions have declared themselves Nuclear Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs) through treaties like:
| Country | Estimated Nuclear Warheads | Notes |
| Russia | ~5,580 total (1,710 deployed) | Largest nuclear stockpile; strategic rival of NATO |
| China | ~500+ and growing fast | Expanding arsenal; not part of any arms control treaties |
| India | ~172 | Regional power; developed nukes in 1974 ("Smiling Buddha" test) |
| Pakistan | ~170 | Developed nukes in response to India; growing arsenal |
| North Korea | ~50 (estimates vary) | Conducted multiple tests; highly secretive program |
| Israel | ~90 (undeclared) | Never confirmed; policy of nuclear ambiguity |
Despite limited success, treaties like New START and Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) showcase global momentum. Civil society movements, led by groups like ICAN, have won Nobel Peace Prizes for advocating total disarmament
Around 12,500 warheads exist globally, with over 90% owned by the U.S. and Russia.
Russia and the United States are the top two, followed by China, France, and the UK.
Yes. South Africa dismantled its arsenal. Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine transferred theirs to Russia.
No. It withdrew from the NPT and is not officially recognised but has tested nuclear weapons.
Key treaties include the NPT, New START, and TPNW.
Technically yes, but geopolitical and security challenges make total elimination difficult in the near term.
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