Countries Increase Nuclear Arsenals In 2023, With China Leading The Way

As geopolitical tensions continue to mount across the world, global powers are beginning to increase their usable nuclear warheads.

SWEDEN - The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released a report that shows the arsenals of some of the nine nuclear powers are growing as tensions on the geopolitical stage continue to mount, with China leading the way by increasing their nuclear stockpile by 60 warheads.

A Minuteman III test launch showcases the readiness of the U.S. nuclear force's safe, effective deterrent on February 9th, 2023

The nine nuclear powers include: Britain, China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States, and had a total known combined nuclear arsenal of 12,512 at the beginning of 2023.

Although the previous year the total combined nuclear arsenal was at 12,710, which was 198 fewer than in 2022, 9,576 of the current stockpile is considered “military stockpiles for potential use” which is 86 more than in 2022.

Only the stockpile considered ‘potential use’ are considered available to be used due to the fact that the total stockpile also includes older, out-of-commission nuclear warheads, and those scheduled for dismantling.

Number Of Usable Nuclear Warheads Are “Beginning To Tick Up”