The global nuclear arsenal is growing, and it’s not just the usual suspects. Five nations—China, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea—have quietly expanded their nuclear stockpiles by over 700 warheads in the past 40 years. While the world focuses on open conflicts, these countries are preparing for something much bigger.
A new report from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) suggests that three other nuclear-armed nations may be secretly amassing more warheads in preparation for a future showdown. Meanwhile, U.S. intelligence agencies have spotted Russia and China upgrading their nuclear facilities. The Cold War arms race never ended—it just went underground.
The U.S. isn’t sitting idle, either. Last month, officials confirmed a restart of underground nuclear testing programs. The move signals that Washington is preparing for a world where nuclear treaties are falling apart and deterrence is the name of the game.
The latest FAS estimates put the total global nuclear arsenal at 12,121 warheads spread across nine nations. Russia leads the pack with 5,580 bombs, outpacing the U.S., which holds 5,044. These two superpowers control a staggering 88% of the world’s nuclear firepower, and neither is backing down.
The rest of the globe’s nuclear weapons—about 1,500 warheads—are divided among China, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, and the UK. But the real concern isn’t just the number of bombs—it’s who’s willing to use them.
Geopolitical tensions are at a breaking point. Former President Trump recently warned Ukraine’s Zelensky that he’s “gambling with World War III” by resisting American peace proposals. With diplomatic efforts faltering, the world edges closer to the kind of conflict no one walks away from.
Five Fast Facts
- Russia’s Tsar Bomba, the largest nuclear bomb ever tested, was over 3,000 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.
- China’s nuclear arsenal has more than doubled in the last decade, with plans to reach parity with the U.S. by 2035.
- Israel has never officially confirmed its nuclear weapons program, but experts estimate it has between 80 and 90 warheads.
- North Korea’s latest missile tests suggest its warheads can now reach anywhere in the continental United States.
- Pakistan and India, despite having nuclear capabilities, still engage in frequent border skirmishes over Kashmir.
