SIPRI report shows rise in active global nuclear warheads

A new assessment by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals that all nine nuclear-armed nations continued to increase or modernize their arsenals throughout 2025. While the total number of global nuclear warheads is decreasing, researchers Hans M. Kristensen and Matt Korda found that the number of warheads in active military stockpiles available for potential use rose to approximately 9,745 by January 2026, an increase of about 130 from the previous year.

The total global count of warheads stood at roughly 12,187 in January 2026. The decline in the overall number is primarily due to the United States and Russia dismantling withdrawn weapons faster than other nations are producing new ones. However, SIPRI researchers warn that the pace of destruction is slowing and may soon be overtaken by the rate at which new warheads enter global military stocks.

The United States and Russia together hold about 83 percent of all deployable nuclear warheads and nearly 86 percent of total global stocks. Despite this, their relative share is slightly declining as other nuclear powers, including China and India, expand their operational capabilities. Additionally, the report notes challenges in modernization, such as a minimum four-year delay and significant cost overruns for the United States' Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program.