Thousands of nuclear warheads are ready to launch within minutes. For years, the world expected fewer nuclear weapons, but that trend is ending. A June 2026 report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that countries now see nuclear weapons as important for national power.
All nine countries with nuclear weapons upgraded their forces last year. The United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel are all developing new ways to deliver these weapons.
The total number of warheads is about 12,187, but this number is misleading. The decrease is only because the US and Russia are getting rid of old weapons. Now, new weapons are being made faster than old ones are destroyed.
More importantly, about 9,745 warheads are ready for use. Over 4,000 are already on missiles or aircraft. While Russia and the US have the most ready weapons, China and India may be putting warheads on missiles even in peacetime.
China is increasing its weapons quickly, adding about 20 last year for a total of 620. India is also building more weapons and developing missiles that can reach targets in China.
In Europe, France's President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to increase their arsenal and stop sharing data. Paris is also building a new airbase for advanced missiles. Russia is placing new missiles in Belarus, and has used similar weapons in Ukraine.
Russia faced some problems with missile tests, but claims success with a new nuclear-powered cruise missile. Israel is expanding its nuclear facility, and North Korea continues to build more weapons.
This buildup is happening as international agreements weaken. The New START treaty between the US and Russia has ended. Talks on nuclear weapons control have failed. This situation increases the danger of a major mistake.