Every year on August 29, International Day against Nuclear Tests is observed all over the world to make people aware of the devastating effects of nuclear tests or any other nuclear explosions and also their long-term effects on humans and the environment.
The day provides a platform to call for a world free of nuclear weapons as they bring the curtains down for the entire humanity if used according to their optimum power. On this occasion, we take a look at the countries with the most nuclear weapons in this article. It is interesting to note that not every country has nuclear weapons. Rather, it is possessed by a handful of nations at present, but even then, their nuclear arsenals are massive enough to evoke concern.
Countries with the most nuclear weapons
- Russia
According to reports, Russia leads the way when it comes to total nuclear warheads with the number well over 5,500. Russia, which is currently embroiled in a war with Ukraine, has moved forward with the deratification of the Comprehensive Test-Ban Treaty. Also, it has stated that the country will reduce nuclear weapons only if US missile defences are also legally constrained.
- United States
The US has over 5,000 nuclear weapons, and more than 1,500 are deployed and ready to be delivered. Notably, the nuclear warheads owned by Russia and the US constitute nearly 90 per cent of nuclear weapons in the world. Also, the destructive capabilities of the weapons of the US vary, with the likes of the B83 gravity bomb being 80 times stronger than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
- China
China, one of the leading powers in global politics at present, sits in the third position. It has been developing nuclear weapons since the Cold War and has a modest arsenal. According to SIPRI, the number of nuclear warheads increased from 410 in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024. In the coming years, that collection is expected to only increase further. As per reports, China may be deploying a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime.
- France
France reportedly has around 290 nuclear warheads. Most of its warheads are deployed in submarines, with the remainder on air-launched cruise missiles. France has stated its nuclear stockpile as a deterrent strategy and only a defensive tactic. However, in extreme circumstances where self-defence becomes paramount, it may become the first to use nuclear weapons. In 2023, France continued its programmes to upgrade the existing systems and develop a third-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.
- United Kingdom
The UK has reportedly around 225 nuclear warheads at present. But this number will certainly change in the future as the government reportedly announced in 2021 about raising the limit of nuclear warheads from 225 to 260. Also, the UK has stopped publicly disclosing its quantities of nuclear weapons, deployed warheads or deployed missiles.
- India
India has around 172 nuclear warheads at present. The country is slowly but steadily its nuclear strength. According to reports, on August 29, 2024, India can take a big step towards further boosting its strategic deterrence capabilities by possibly commissioning its second nuclear-powered submarine INS Arighat. Its first nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant was commissioned in 2016.
- Pakistan
Pakistan’s development of its nuclear arsenal is mainly boosted by its rivalry with India. In 1998, India conducted a series of nuclear tests in Pokhran code-named Operation Shakti and declared itself a full-fledged nuclear state. On the other, Pakistan first tested nuclear weapons in May 1998. At present, it has around 170 nuclear warheads.
- North Korea
In recent years, North Korea has upped its weapons game and has kept everyone on their toes with its veiled threats to use nuclear weapons. It focuses heavily on its military programmes to bolster the national security. According to SIPRI, the country has around 50 warheads and possesses enough fissile material to reach a total of up to 90 warheads. Since North Korea is a nation which has minimal contact with the outside world, it has been difficult to get a more accurate estimate of its nuclear strength.
- Israel
Israel does not publicly acknowledge that it has nuclear weapons. But if reports are to be believed, then the country, known for its military expertise, is modernising its nuclear arsenal and is apparently upgrading its plutonium production reactor site at Dimona. Overall, the country may have 90 nuclear warheads at present.
