Global Nuclear Risk Intensifies: SIPRI Lists Top 9 Nuclear-Armed Nations in 2025

Stockholm, June 17, 2025 — A new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has sounded the alarm over an accelerating global nuclear arms race, with nine countries continuing to modernize and expand their arsenals amid weakening arms control agreements.According to SIPRI’s Yearbook 2025, nearly all of the world’s nuclear-armed states have ramped up modernization efforts over the past year. The report warns that “a dangerous new nuclear arms race is emerging,” especially as diplomatic efforts around disarmament and treaty enforcement remain stalled.Top Nuclear-Armed Countries in 2025The nine nations currently possessing nuclear weapons are: the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel.Among them: • The United States and Russia continue to hold the largest stockpiles, with both showing slight reductions in their total warhead inventories in 2025. • China showed the most rapid expansion, increasing its arsenal from 500 to 600 warheads. • India also expanded its nuclear inventory from 172 to 180. • The arsenals of Pakistan, North Korea, France, the United Kingdom, and Israel remained stable over the past year.Total Nuclear Inventory (2025): 12,241 WarheadsThis figure includes both military stockpiles—active and reserve warheads—and retired warheads awaiting dismantlement.New Threats on the HorizonSIPRI warns that beyond these nine states, there is growing potential for nuclear proliferation in East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, where regional tensions and a deteriorating arms control environment may encourage more nations to pursue nuclear capabilities.“The breakdown of arms control frameworks, growing mistrust among great powers, and military modernization programs are laying the groundwork for a new, risk-laden nuclear age,” the report states.The organization urges renewed international engagement to prevent further proliferation and reduce the global threat of nuclear conflict.