China, Russia, and North Korea Increase Deployed Nuclear Warheads, NATO Holds Steady — SIPRI

The number of nuclear warheads deployed on missiles and other delivery systems worldwide is increasing for the first time in several years.

This is according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), published in its annual World Nuclear Forces report.

According to SIPRI estimates, as of January 2026, nine countries possessed a total of approximately 12,187 nuclear warheads.

Of these, approximately 9,745 were in military stockpiles, while about 4,012 were deployed on missiles or with operational forces.

Meanwhile, the total number of nuclear warheads continues to decline due to the gradual retirement and dismantling of older warheads.

However, the number of deployed warheads is increasing.

Russia has the largest number of deployed warheads. At the beginning of 2026, SIPRI estimated its number at 1,796.

This is Russia’s highest figure since 2017 and the fourth consecutive year in which Moscow has increased the number of deployed warheads.

Russia has approximately 5,420 nuclear warheads in total. Of these, 2,604 are in storage, while another approximately 1,020 are considered retired and awaiting dismantlement.

The United States has approximately 5,042 nuclear warheads, while the number of deployed warheads is estimated at 1,770. This figure has not changed over the past year.

China is also continuing to expand its nuclear arsenal. According to SIPRI estimates, at the beginning of 2026, it had approximately 620 warheads, compared with about 600 a year prior. The number of deployed Chinese warheads increased from 24 to 34.

SIPRI separately highlighted India. For the first time, researchers estimated the number of deployed Indian nuclear warheads at 12. India’s total nuclear arsenal is estimated at approximately 190 warheads.

In 2025, Britain did not increase its nuclear arsenal, keeping it at approximately 225 warheads. At the same time, its previously announced intention to raise the ceiling to 260 warheads remains in effect.

London also no longer publicly discloses data on the deployment of its nuclear weapons. In 2025, Britain announced plans to buy 12 nuclear-capable F-35A aircraft and join NATO’s nuclear-sharing arrangement. If this happens, Britain will become the sixth country to host U.S. nuclear weapons within the Alliance, after Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey.

According to SIPRI, France’s nuclear stockpile remained stable at approximately 290 warheads. At the same time, Paris is modernizing the submarine-based and airborne components of its nuclear deterrent and plans to restore the nuclear mission at Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur Air Base with next-generation Rafale fighter jets.