Global (HRNW) – The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its annual report highlighting the state of global nuclear arsenals, the balance among nuclear powers, and emerging security concerns linked to modern military technologies.
According to the report, approximately 82 percent of the world’s nuclear weapons are possessed by Russia and the United States. As of January 2026, Russia held an estimated 4,380 nuclear warheads, while the United States possessed around 3,700.
The report notes that China continues to expand its nuclear capabilities and now has approximately 620 nuclear warheads. Other nuclear-armed states include France with 290 warheads, the United Kingdom with 225, Israel with about 90, and North Korea with around 60.
Regarding South Asia, SIPRI reported that both Pakistan and India are steadily advancing their nuclear programs. According to the report, India possesses approximately 190 nuclear warheads, while both countries continue to enhance their ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea platforms—a capability known as the nuclear triad.
The institute warned that the modernization of nuclear arsenals is accelerating worldwide. It also expressed concern about the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in nuclear command and control systems, cautioning that while AI may improve military efficiency, it could also increase the risks of miscalculations, technical failures, and unintended escalation.
Experts cited in the report argue that rising geopolitical tensions, ongoing regional conflicts, and the continued development of nuclear weapons are contributing to a new global arms race that could have serious implications for international peace and security.
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