Nuclear weapons spending hits record in 2025 as US leads the surge

In 2025 the nine nuclear-armed states spent a total of $119 billion on their arsenals, up 19 % from the previous year, according to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The United States accounted for $69.2 billion, a 22 % increase and more than the combined spending of all other nuclear powers.

China ranked second with $13.5 billion (up 7 %), followed by the United Kingdom at $12.6 billion (up 17 %), which overtook Russia, whose budget grew 6 % to $9.5 billion. India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel also contributed to the record‑high total. ICAN warned that the world is heading toward a new nuclear arms race.

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) highlighted the growing role of nuclear weapons in state policy and noted China’s emerging prominence in the arms build‑up, raising concerns about miscalculation and escalation.