Along with the deterioration of the geopolitical situation, the nuclear powers are increasingly developing their nuclear arsenals. This is stated in the report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
One of SIPRI’s main conclusions is that the number of nuclear weapons and their types is increasing as countries rely more and more on nuclear deterrence.
As of January 2024, there were approximately 12,121 warheads in the world, of which 9,585 were in combat readiness. According to the report, 3,904 of them were deployed on missiles or aircraft, which is 60 more than the estimates of January last year. About 2,100 warheads are on high alert on ballistic missiles. Almost all of the warheads are said to have belonged to the Russian Federation or the United States, but China is believed to have put some warheads on high alert for the first time.
For their part, India, Pakistan and North Korea are seeking the ability to deploy some warheads on ballistic missiles. Great Britain, China, Russia, the USA and France already have such opportunities, the institute reports.
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