Following the recent Israeli attack on Iran, which included the destruction of nuclear facilities and the elimination of key military and scientific figures, the world once again faces fears of an escalation of a conflict that could include the use of nuclear weapons.
Tensions in the Middle East, along with deteriorating relations between major powers, are raising concerns about the possibility of using nuclear arsenals in an armed conflict.
According to the latest data from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), at the beginning of 2025, the nine nuclear powers possessed a total of about 12,241 nuclear warheads, of which about 9,614 are operationally deployed in the military arsenal. The rest are in reserve or awaiting dismantling.
The largest arsenals
- Russia has about 5,580 nuclear warheads, of which approximately 1,700 are strategically located
- United States They possess about 5,225 warheads, some deployed, most in reserve, and over 1,400 in the process of being dismantled.
Together, US and Russia They control about 87–90 percent of all nuclear weapons in the world.
Other nuclear powers
also
How many nuclear weapons does Russia have and who controls them?
- Kina: It is estimated to have 500–600 heads, with a clear tendency for rapid growth. There are currently few established, but experts estimate more are operational.
- Franca there are about 290 heads, while Great Britain there are approximately 225
- In South Asia: India there are about 172, and Pakistani approximately 170
- Israel there are about 90, while North Korea has about 50 nuclear warheads
Although the total number of nuclear warheads is gradually declining, the number of operationally deployed ones – especially in some countries – is increasing again. Modernization of nuclear arsenals has become a priority: Russia and the US continue to renew their strategic weapons, while China is significantly expanding its nuclear capabilities.
Also of additional concern is the expiration of the New START agreement in 2026, which could have destabilizing consequences. The New START agreement is a nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia, which aims to limit and monitor the strategic nuclear arsenals of both parties. It was first signed in 2010 and was extended for a five-year term in 2021.
Although a nuclear war is unlikely to occur, the presence of thousands of nuclear warheads and tensions increase the risk to global stability.
