SIPRI says mounting nuclear warheads on launch systems heightens global risk

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) warned that nuclear‑armed states are increasingly installing warheads onto launch systems, raising the danger of use despite a modest decline in total stockpiles. SIPRI estimates that in January 2026 the world possessed about 12,187 nuclear warheads, with roughly 9,745 ready for deployment. The United States and Russia together hold about 83% of the global arsenal, close to 5,000 warheads each.

SIPRI director Karīm Haqāg said, "the most concerning news is that, although the number of nuclear weapons is falling, the level of risks associated with them is rising." He added that the slowdown in dismantling older warheads combined with accelerated development of new ones is reversing the previous trend of stockpile reduction. China’s arsenal has grown to 620 warheads and could approach 1,000 by 2030, while France and the United Kingdom maintain stable inventories of roughly 290 and 225 warheads respectively, with the UK slated for a modest increase. India’s stockpile rose slightly to 190 warheads, and Pakistan’s remains at about 170.

The institute highlighted further concerns about the weakening of international nuclear‑arms control frameworks and ongoing modernization programs in the United States and Russia, which face design, funding and sanction‑related challenges. These developments collectively increase the risk to global stability.