Nine Nuclear-Armed countries in 2025: Who holds the most warheads?

As of 2025, nine countries are known to possess nuclear weapons. These nations are generally divided into two categories: those officially recognised as nuclear-weapon states under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and those outside the treaty or with undeclared arsenals.

The latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals that nine countries currently possess nuclear weapons, with Russia and the United States holding nearly 90% of the world’s estimated 12,500 warheads. China, meanwhile, is rapidly expanding its arsenal, raising concerns about a new arms race.

As global tensions reach dangerous new heights, the world’s nine nuclear-armed nations are accelerating modernisation programs and expanding their arsenals, marking a stark reversal of post-Cold War disarmament efforts and bringing the threat of nuclear conflict to its most precarious level in four decades.

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), here is a list of the top 9 nuclear-armed countries in 2025:

1. Russia

Warheads: ~5459 (1,718 deployed)

Despite delays in modernisation, Russia’s suspension of the New START treaty and threats to resume nuclear testing have heightened fears. Its war in Ukraine has spurred nuclear sabre-rattling, including warnings of tactical nuke use. These developments have contributed to a heightened sense of nuclear tension and uncertainty, with many experts warning about the potential risks of nuclear escalation.

Key Systems: RS-28 Sarmat ICBMs, hypersonic missiles, and submarine-launched nukes.

2. United States

Warheads: ~5,177 (1,770 deployed) 

The U.S. maintains 100 tactical nukes in Europe and is pressured to counter China’s rapid buildup. New START’s 2026 expiration looms with no replacement treaty in sight.

Key Systems: B-21 stealth bombers, Columbia-class submarines, and upgraded ICBMs.

3. China

Warheads: ~600 (up from 410 in 2023)

The Pentagon has warned that China’s rapid nuclear expansion could potentially allow it to match the nuclear capabilities of the United States and Russia by 2035. This assessment is based on China’s current growth rate and its ongoing efforts to modernise its nuclear forces.

Expansion: Adding ~100 warheads annually; constructing 300+ missile silos.

Strategy: Shifts from “minimum deterrence” to a full nuclear triad, including hypersonic missiles. The Pentagon warns China could match the U.S./Russia by 2035.

4. France

Warheads: ~290 (mostly submarine-launched).

France’s nuclear program is independent of NATO’s nuclear umbrella, and the country maintains its nuclear deterrent to ensure national security.

Doctrine: “Strict sufficiency” but reserves first-use rights in “extreme self-defense”.

Modernisation: New M51 SLBMs and air-launched cruise missiles.

5. United Kingdom

Warheads: ~225 (120 deployed on Trident submarines)

The UK’s nuclear deterrent is centred around its four Vanguard-class submarines, which are armed with Trident missiles. These submarines are currently being replaced by the Dreadnought-class, which will ensure the UK’s nuclear capabilities remain effective into the 2030s and beyond.

Policy Shift: Abandoned its 180-warhead cap, now aiming for 260 amid global instability.

6. India

Warheads: ~180 

India’s nuclear doctrine emphasises credible minimum deterrence, which aims to maintain a sufficient nuclear arsenal to deter potential aggressors without seeking to match other countries’ arsenals in size. The country’s nuclear modernisation efforts are expected to continue, with a focus on enhancing its deterrence capabilities and maintaining regional stability.

Focus: Triad development, including Agni-V ICBMs and nuclear submarines.

Tensions: Rivalry with Pakistan and border clashes with China drive expansion. These factors have led India to prioritise its nuclear modernisation efforts, aiming to enhance its credible minimum deterrence posture.

7. Pakistan

Warheads: ~170

Pakistan’s nuclear doctrine emphasises the need for a “full-spectrum deterrence” posture, which includes the use of tactical nuclear weapons to counter conventional threats. This approach has sparked concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for nuclear escalation.

Danger Zone: Short-range “tactical” nukes lower the threshold for use against India.

8. Israel

Warheads: ~90 (undeclared)

Israel’s nuclear program is shrouded in secrecy, and the country has never officially acknowledged its nuclear status. However, it is widely believed that Israel possesses nuclear weapons, and its ambiguous policy is seen as a means to maintain deterrence while avoiding international scrutiny.

Ambiguity Policy: Neither confirms nor denies capabilities, but the Dimona reactor remains active.

Regional Impact: Fuels Middle East proliferation fears, especially with Iran near weapons-grade uranium.

9. North Korea

Warheads: ~50 

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has consistently emphasised the importance of nuclear weapons as a means to ensure the survival and security of his regime.

North Korea’s continued nuclear development and testing have raised concerns among regional and global powers, with the United Nations imposing numerous sanctions in response.

Advances: Tests of solid-fuel ICBMs and tactical nukes threaten South Korea and beyond.

Diplomatic Stalemate: Talks collapsed; Kim Jong-Un views nukes as regime insurance