Nuclear weapons spending reaches record $118.8 bn in 2025, up 19%

A new ICAN report shows that the nine recognized nuclear-armed states spent a combined $118.8 bn (about €103 bn) on nuclear weapons in 2025, a 19% increase from the previous year. The United States accounted for the largest share, spending $69.2 bn (€60 bn) and posting the biggest year‑on‑year rise at 22%. China was second with $13.5 bn (€11.7 bn), followed by the United Kingdom at $12.6 bn (€10.9 bn), which overtook Russia’s $9.5 bn (€8.2 bn). France, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea together contributed the remaining €20 bn.

ICAN warns that the daily cost of maintaining these arsenals could feed two million people or fund the United Nations budget for 19 years. The organization highlighted the private‑sector profit of roughly $38 bn, led by U.S. firms Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Fluor and Northrop Grumman, with Airbus, Boeing and Rolls‑Royce also earning significant contracts. Susi Snyder, ICAN program director, said: "It is inconceivable that these nine countries are spending billions on a false promise of security."

The report underscores concerns that nuclear modernization programs are slated to continue for decades, diverting resources from pressing humanitarian needs.