The number of nuclear warheads mounted directly on missiles and other delivery systems worldwide has risen for the first time in several years.
This is shown by data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), published in the annual World Nuclear Forces report.
According to SIPRI estimates, as of January 2026 nine countries worldwide had a total of about 12,187 nuclear warheads. Of these, around 9,745 were in military stockpiles, and about 4,012 were on missiles or in operational forces.
At the same time, the overall number of nuclear weapons continues to fall due to the retirement and dismantling of old warheads. However, the number of deployed warheads, by contrast, is increasing.
Russia has the largest number of deployed nuclear warheads. At the start of 2026, SIPRI put the figure at 1,796. This is Russia’s highest level since 2017 and the fourth consecutive year in which Moscow has increased the number of deployed warheads.
Overall, Russia has about 5,420 nuclear warheads. Of these, 2,604 are in storage, while around 1,020 are considered retired and awaiting dismantlement.
The United States has about 5,042 nuclear warheads, of which roughly 1,770 are deployed. This figure has not changed over the past year.
Meanwhile, China continues to expand its nuclear arsenal. At the start of 2026, the country had about 620 warheads, up from roughly 600 a year earlier. The number of deployed Chinese warheads rose from 24 to 34.
SIPRI also highlighted India separately. For the first time, researchers estimated the number of deployed Indian nuclear warheads at 12. The country’s total arsenal is estimated at around 190 warheads.
The United Kingdom did not increase its nuclear arsenal in 2025, keeping it at around 225 warheads. However, the previously announced intention to raise the upper limit to 260 remains in force.
London also no longer publicly discloses data on the deployment of nuclear weapons. In 2025, Britain announced plans to purchase 12 nuclear-capable F-35A aircraft and to join NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements.
France is maintaining its nuclear arsenal at roughly 290 warheads. At the same time, Paris is modernising the submarine and air components of its nuclear deterrent and plans to restore the nuclear mission at the Luxeuil-Saint-Sauveur air base using next-generation Rafale fighter jets.
- South Korea estimates that North Korea has between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads.