What Nuclear Weapons Does Pakistan Have? Know All About Pakistan’s Nuclear Capabilities

Pakistan Nuclear Weapons:  Pakistan is one of the world's top ten nuclear powers. It has a nuclear arsenal, which has been updated in both size and capability since it began in the 1970s. Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal has become more advanced over the years, and it stated that its nuclear program is based on regional security issues.

India on Saturday announced a full and immediate ceasefire with Pakistan, days after continuous military confrontation between the two neighbouring nations. The ceasefire has been discussed directly between the DGMOS of the two nations, with both agreeing to stop all firing and military action at the border with immediate effect.

What Nuclear Weapons Does Pakistan Have? 

Key Nuclear Arsenal Of Pakistan: 

Estimated Warheads:  Pakistan is estimated to have 160–170 nuclear warheads, however, experts suggest that Indian neighbouring country, is expected to rank as the sixth-largest nuclear force in the world with an estimated 220–250 warheads, as of 2025, according to the Atomic Archive. 

Warhead Yield:  The majority of Pakistani nuclear warheads are in the range of 12 kilotons (kt), with some ballistic missile warheads of longer range possibly up to 40 kt. Operational warheads in the range of 20–25 kt, and some larger designs may be as high as 150 kt or higher, as reported by Hans M. Kristensen, Matt Korda, and Eliana Johns, Pakistan nuclear weapons, 2023, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. 

Nuclear Doctrine:  Pakistan has a policy of Minimum Credible Deterrence to counter India's nuclear and conventional military superiority. Although it has not made a formal No First Use declaration against nuclear weapons states, it has committed itself not to use nuclear weapons first against non-nuclear weapon states.

Development and Production Of Pakistan Nuclear Weapons: 

The nuclear weapons program of Pakistan started in earnest following India's 1974 nuclear test. The program gained momentum in the 1980s and 1990s with considerable external help, mainly from China and, to a smaller degree, North Korea. Here’s the list of nuclear infrastructure of the country, as per the Federation of American Scientists.

- Uranium Enrichment:  Under the leadership of Dr. A. Q. Khan, Pakistan built extensive uranium enrichment facilities.

- Production of Plutonium: Plants such as the Khushab nuclear complex enable Pakistan to make plutonium for use in lighter, more portable warheads and hence the capability to produce more sophisticated nuclear weapons.

- Types of Warheads: Pakistan is thought to possess Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU)- and plutonium-based warheads, with initiatives in place to miniaturise warheads for tactical and battlefield purposes.

Nuclear Delivery Systems Of Pakistan 

Pakistan's nuclear delivery options are varied and have developed very rapidly since the 1990s. The delivery platforms belong to three broad categories:

1.  Land-Based Missiles

Medium- and Short-Range Ballistic Missiles: Pakistan has a minimum of six nuclear-capable ballistic missiles, the Shaheen and Ghauri class (up to the range of 2,750 km), and the Nasr (Hatf-9) of 60 km range used tactically.

Cruise Missiles: The Babur cruise missile, with a range of 700 km, can be fired from land or, in the future, from submarines for greater survivability.

MIRV Capability: The Ababeel missile, being developed, it is said, will be able to carry multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVS), a major leap in regional nuclear competition.

2. Aircraft

Combat Aircraft: Pakistan F-16s and Mirage III/V aircraft can carry nuclear gravity bombs, establishing a versatile air-delivered nuclear capability.

Sea-Based Deterrent

Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM): Pakistan tested the Babur-3 SLCM from a submerged platform to develop a credible second-strike capability once deployed on submarines.

Pakistan's Aircraft

Source: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists and Federation of American Scientists

Pakistan's Land-based Missiles

Source: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists and Federation of American Scientists

Pakistan's Ground and Air-Launched Cruise Missiles

Source: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists and Federation of American Scientists

Pakistan's Sea-Based Cruise Missiles

Source: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists and Federation of American Scientists

Pakistan’s Nuclear Policy and Command 

Pakistan's nuclear weapons are said to be kept in a state of disassembly in times of peace, with centralised control by the National Command Authority to guarantee security and prevent misuse. Additionally, the weapons are meant to deter nuclear as well as conventional attacks, particularly from India, and offer a complete range of deterrence, including tactical nuclear weapons for battlefield use.

Pakistan's nuclear weapons program has made it a major player in international nuclear politics, especially in South Asia. With an expanding and modernising arsenal, diversified delivery means, and a doctrine of credible minimum deterrence, Pakistan is committed to developing its nuclear weapons despite persistent regional tensions.

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