- By Ridam Sharma
- Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
World’s Top 10 Nuclear Weapons Nations: As of 2025, the global nuclear landscape remains dominated by global powers like the US, Russia and the UK. The possession of nuclear arsenals significantly shapes international security and geopolitical power dynamics in the world. Therefore, to keep you updated on world affairs, here’s a list of the top 10 countries with the most nuclear weapons according to the latest SIPRI, which is the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute data.
Top 10 Nuclear Power Nations In The World In 2025
| Rank | Country | Total Nuclear Warheads |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia | 5,580 |
| 2 | United States | 5,044 |
| 3 | China | 500 |
| 4 | France | 290 |
| 5 | United Kingdom | 225 |
| 6 | India | 172 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 170 |
| 8 | Israel | 90 |
| 9 | North Korea | 50 |
| 10 | Turkey | Estimated (NATO) |
Top Nuclear Weapons Nations in 2025:
Russia
Russia still holds the world's largest nuclear stockpile with an estimated total of 5,580 nuclear warheads. The enormous arsenal stockpile of the country is part of the Soviet Union's history and continues to be an important part of Russian military strategy to become a global power.
United States
United States is second on the list, with around 5,044 nuclear warheads. America has a strong nuclear deterrent with a key focus on up-to-date technologies and modern methods.
China
China has most rapidly increased its nuclear arsenal from 410 to about 500 warheads. This increase highlights the geopolitical stakes of China and its interest in developing strategic deterrence.
France
France has a total of 290 nuclear warheads. Being one of the original nuclear countries, France's stockpile plays an integral part in its national security and role in NATO.
United Kingdom
The UK has approximately 225 nuclear warheads. Like France, the UK's nuclear force is also an important element of the nation’s defence policy and global affairs.
India
India is ranked at the sixth position with about 172 military stockpile. India's nuclear policy is different from the rest as a nation of billions works on a credible minimum deterrence policy to provide national security in the face of conflicts on the border.
Pakistan
After India, with a total of about 170 nuclear warheads, Pakistan ranks in seventh position as its arsenal is largely there to deter India due to the prevailing regional tensions between the two countries.
Israel
Israel has not publicly acknowledged its nuclear stockpile, but it is generally estimated to have approximately 90 warheads. Israel has a policy of over its nuclear status private for strategic purposes.
North Korea
North Korea is estimated to have approximately 50 nuclear warheads, with the development of missile technology, which is continuing to raise international alarm about its potential use.
Turkey
Turkey is not a nuclear state, however, it has US tactical nuclear weapons on NATO commitments and not an independent inventory.
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