Which Countries Have Nuclear Weapons Ready for Use?
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Key Takeaways
- The global nuclear warhead stockpile stands at 9,614, representing the share of nuclear weapon inventory that is assigned to operational forces.
- Since 2020, China has increased its stockpiles from 350 to 600 in 2025, and by 2030 the country is projected to have 1,000 nuclear weapons.
In February, the expiration of the U.S.–Russia nuclear treaty removed limits on nuclear arsenals for the first time in over 50 years.
While Russia said that it agrees to uphold the limits of the last New START pact if Washington abides, the U.S. says that a new treaty should include China. Beijing, meanwhile, has rejected calls to enter new talks.
This graphic shows nuclear warhead stockpiles by country, based on data from the Federation of American Scientists.
Which Countries Have Nuclear Weapons in 2026?
Below, we show the nuclear warhead stockpiles of countries, which are a subset of total inventories that are assigned to military forces.
| Country | Nuclear Warhead Stockpile |
Nuclear Warhead Inventory |
Change in Stockpile 2020-2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
 Russia |
4,309 | 5,459 | 0.0% |
 U.S. |
3,700 | 5,117 | -1.3% |
 China |
600 | 600 | 71.4% |
 France |
290 | 290 | 0.0% |
 UK |
225 | 225 | 0.0% |
 India |
180 | 180 | 20.0% |
 Pakistan |
170 | 170 | 6.3% |
 Israel |
90 | 90 | 0.0% |
 North Korea |
50 | 50 | 233.3% |
Together, the U.S. and Russia hold 83% of stockpiled nuclear warheads and roughly 86% of total global inventory.
Over the past five years, America’s stockpile has declined by 1.3%, while Russia’s has remained effectively flat. However, Russia could possibly be expanding its arsenal, according to the Federation of American Scientists.
China ranks third globally, seeing among the fastest-rise in nuclear stockpiles globally. Since 2020, these warheads have increased from 350 to 600, with the country displaying nuclear missiles during a 2024 parade. By some estimates, China is expected to have 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030.
India, meanwhile, ranks sixth globally with 180 warheads. The country’s stockpile has expanded by 20% over the past five years. Pakistan has also grown its stockpile, although to a smaller extent.
Most notably, the current expansion of nuclear arsenals is reversing a 40-year trend of reduction. This shift marks a departure from the relatively stable U.S.-Russia duopoly of the Cold War, potentially ushering in a more intricate and multipolar nuclear era.
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To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the science of nuclear weapons.
