Nuclear weapons remain one of the most significant instruments of geopolitical power and deterrence.

The escalation of the conflict in Ukraine has reignited the debate on nuclear weapons. French President Emmanuel Macron has described Russia as a threat to France and Europe, proposing to extend the French nuclear deterrent to protect European nations..

That proposal drew sharp criticism from Moscow, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov describing Macron’s speech as highly confrontational and accusing him of seeking to prolong the war in Ukraine.

For the first time since the end of the Cold War, nuclear arsenals have become a near-daily  topic in diplomatic and verbal confrontations between Russia and NATO member states.

Despite international efforts towards containment and disarmament, nine countries today possess approximately 12,100 nuclear warheads, with the United States and Russia controlling the vast majority. Of these, 9,600 are operational, while the remainder are considered retired.

Countries with Nuclear Weapons and Their Warhead Numbers

According to CNN, the global stockpile of nuclear warheads is distributed as follows:

• Russia: 5,580 nuclear warheads, of which 1,674 are operational.
• United States: 5,748 nuclear warheads, with 1,770 ready for deployment.
• China: 500 nuclear warheads, with numbers steadily increasing.
• France: 290 nuclear warheads.
• United Kingdom: 225 nuclear warheads, with plans to expand its arsenal.
• Pakistan: 170 nuclear warheads.
• India: 172 nuclear warheads.
• Israel: Estimated to possess 90 nuclear warheads.
• North Korea: Although estimates vary, it is believed to have around 50 nuclear warheads.

Although the global nuclear arsenal is smaller than it was during the Cold War, tensions between nuclear-armed states continue to pose risks to global security.

Also read: Finland | The world’s first nuclear grave

In addition to countries that maintain their own nuclear arsenal, five NATO member states officially host US nuclear weapons as part of the alliance’s policy:

• Belgium
• Germany
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Turkey

These weapons remain under US control but can be deployed by the host states in the event of war.

Despite the presence of over 12,000 nuclear warheads worldwide, only a fraction are in a state of immediate readiness. Around 2,000 nuclear warheads belonging to the US, Russia, the UK, and France are on high alert, meaning they can be launched within minutes.

While international agreements aim to limit nuclear proliferation, some nations continue to expand or modernise their arsenals. China, India, North Korea, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom are investing in the development of new nuclear warheads and delivery systems.

Meanwhile, Russia and the United States possess the largest nuclear stockpiles and continue to invest in modernised nuclear submarines, ballistic missiles, and new strategic bombers.

The existence of nuclear weapons remains one of the greatest threats to humanity. Despite ongoing arms control efforts, relations between major nuclear powers remain tense.

Source: CNN Greece

Also read: SIPRI | Nuclear arsenals are growing again