A comprehensive report has been unveiled, shedding light on the number of nuclear weapons in the possession of various countries around the world. The 2024 Nuclear Weapons Ban Monitor was officially presented during a press conference at a UN summit, where discussions were centered around the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), attracting participation from a majority of nations globally. This groundbreaking report offers valuable insights into the nuclear capabilities of all 197 countries eligible to join the TPNW, which strictly prohibits the development, testing, possession, use, or threat of using nuclear weapons.
The report indicates that a significant 70% of countries worldwide are in favor of the TPNW, while 8% remain undecided, and the remaining 22%, including notable nuclear-armed states such as the UK, are opposed to the treaty.
### The Nine Nations with Nuclear Weapons
Among the formidable global players in possession of nuclear weapons are nine countries, each wielding varying degrees of power and influence. These nations include the UK, France, the US, Russia, India, China, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. However, a stark disparity exists in the quantity of nuclear weapons amassed by each of these states.
For instance, the 2024 Nuclear Weapons Ban Monitor highlights a striking revelation: “The average destructive capability of a single US Ohio-class submarine surpasses the combined nuclear arsenals of India, Israel, and Pakistan.” This staggering comparison underscores the massive imbalance in nuclear armaments across the globe.
#### Russia: The Nuclear Superpower
Leading the pack in nuclear strength is Russia, helmed by President Vladimir Putin. As of early 2025, Russia boasts a colossal stockpile of 5449 nuclear warheads, with a substantial 4299 warheads primed for immediate deployment. The estimated yield of these warheads stands at a staggering 953 megatons, equivalent to roughly 63,532 Hiroshima-bomb equivalents.
#### The United States: A Close Second
Following closely behind is the United States, presided over by Donald Trump at the time of the report. The US commands a formidable arsenal of 5277 nuclear warheads, with 3700 weapons readily available for use. The cumulative yield of the US nuclear stockpile is approximated at 895 megatons, comparable to around 59,644 Hiroshima-bomb equivalents. This formidable nuclear prowess places the US in a close second behind Russia.
### The Global Nuclear Landscape
After Russia and the US, a significant decline is observed in the nuclear stockpiles of countries, largely attributed to historical events such as the Cold War arms race. China emerges as the world’s third-largest nuclear power, with a cache of 600 nuclear warheads, all of which are operational. These weapons possess an estimated yield of 280 megatons, equivalent to about 18,630 Hiroshima-bomb equivalents.
France lays claim to the fourth-largest nuclear arsenal, wielding 290 nuclear warheads at its disposal, all of which are deployable. The estimated yield of French nuclear weapons is reported at 29 megatons, translating to 1993 Hiroshima-bomb equivalents.
The United Kingdom follows suit as the fifth-largest nuclear power, commanding a stockpile of 225 nuclear warheads, all in a state of readiness for use. The UK’s nuclear weapons are calculated to have a yield of 22.5 megatons, corresponding to 1500 Hiroshima-bomb equivalents. The UK’s nuclear capabilities are notably inspired by the US’s arsenal, with a striking resemblance between Vanguard-class submarines and their American counterparts.
India stands as the sixth-largest nuclear power globally, with 180 nuclear warheads in its possession, available for immediate deployment. The estimated yield of Indian nuclear weapons is 4.5 megatons, akin to 301 Hiroshima-bomb equivalents.
Pakistan closely trails India as the seventh-largest nuclear force, actively bolstering its nuclear arsenal. Recent estimates attribute 170 nuclear warheads to Pakistan, all of which are operational and possess a yield of 3.4 megatons, equivalent to 226 Hiroshima-bomb equivalents.
Israel maintains a modest nuclear stockpile, ranking as the second-smallest nuclear-armed state worldwide. The country is reported to have approximately 90 nuclear warheads, all in a state of preparedness for use, with an estimated yield of 2.5 megatons, translating to 165 Hiroshima-bomb equivalents.
At the lower end of the spectrum is North Korea, holding the smallest nuclear stockpile. Despite its diminutive size, North Korea is believed to be augmenting its nuclear capabilities, with an estimated 50 nuclear warheads under the control of Kim Jong Un. These weapons are fully operational, boasting an estimated yield of 4.6 megatons, akin to 307 Hiroshima-bomb equivalents.
The comprehensive data presented was initially made public on March 4, 2025. For further details and insights on global nuclear status, the complete 2024 Nuclear Weapons Ban Monitor report is accessible at https://banmonitor.org/.
