China's nuclear warheads surged from 410 in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024, according to a Swedish think-tank report.
In Short:
- India has more nuclear weapons than Pakistan.
- China's nuclear arsenal increased from 410 to 500 warheads in one year.
- Nine nuclear-armed nations are modernizing their arsenals.
- The US and Russia hold 90% of the world's nuclear weapons.
- New nuclear-capable weapon systems were deployed in 2023.
India now holds more nuclear weapons than Pakistan, according to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report also highlights a significant increase in China's nuclear arsenal, which grew from 410 warheads in January 2023 to 500 by January 2024.
With the world having witnessed two wars in the past two years, SIPRI's analysis reveals that nine nuclear-armed nations, including India, Pakistan, and China, continue to modernize their nuclear arsenals. The other nations mentioned in the report are the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, North Korea, and Israel.
The report emphasizes that Russia and the US account for 90 percent of all nuclear weapons, with several countries deploying new nuclear-capable weapon systems in 2023. Approximately 2,100 nuclear warheads, predominantly belonging to the US and Russia, were maintained in a state of high operational alert on ballistic missiles. For the first time, China is also believed to have kept some warheads on high operational alert.
The SIPRI report states that as of January 2024, India possesses 172 "stored" nuclear warheads, which is two more than Pakistan. The report indicates that India marginally expanded its nuclear arsenal in 2023. Both India and Pakistan continued to develop new types of nuclear delivery systems throughout the year.
"While Pakistan remains the main focus of India's nuclear deterrent, India appears to be placing growing emphasis on longer-range weapons, including those capable of reaching targets throughout China," the report notes.
The Swedish think-tank also pointed out that India, Pakistan, and North Korea are following the lead of Russia and the US in deploying multiple warheads on ballistic missiles.
Regarding China, Hans Kristensen of SIPRI stated that the country is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other nation. "But in nearly all the nuclear-armed states, there are either plans or a significant push to increase nuclear forces," Kristensen was quoted by PTI.