Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released a new report as part of the SIPRI Yearbook 2026, focusing on the state of global nuclear arsenals. According to the document, amid rising geopolitical tensions, nuclear powers continue to modernize their forces and are increasingly transferring nuclear weapons from central storage facilities to operational readiness.
According to SIPRI’s estimates, as of early 2026, the nine nuclear-armed states (United States, Russia, United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel) collectively possess approximately 12,187–12,241 nuclear warheads. Of these, around 9,614–9,745 are in military stockpiles and potentially available for use. The number of deployed warheads on delivery systems continues to grow — currently estimated at 3,912–4,012, of which more than 2,000 are on high alert status on ballistic missiles.
A key trend highlighted in the report is the accelerated transfer of nuclear weapons from storage to active duty. While the global total of nuclear warheads had previously been slowly declining due to the dismantlement of older U.S. and Russian stockpiles, the pace of dismantlement is now slowing, while the introduction of new warheads and the return of weapons from storage is accelerating. This is particularly evident in China, which is expanding its arsenal the fastest (estimated at up to 600–620 warheads), as well as in Russia, the United States, and other nuclear powers.
Main conclusions of the report:
The United States and Russia still possess nearly 90% of the world’s nuclear arsenal. Both countries are actively modernizing their forces.
China is showing the fastest growth and is approaching parity with the leading powers in intercontinental ballistic missiles.
India, Pakistan, and North Korea continue to develop their programs, including new delivery systems.
Against the backdrop of the expiration of key arms control treaties (such as New START), the role of nuclear weapons in national security doctrines is increasing.
SIPRI experts warn that this dynamic significantly raises the risk of escalation amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical rivalry. The institute calls for the resumption of dialogue on arms control and measures to reduce nuclear dangers.