atomic weapons have remained an crucial component of global energy balance for decades. Despite the simplification of arsenals since the Cold War, the stocks of warheads in the planet are inactive at a very advanced level.
As estimated by the Federation of American Scientists of 2025, 9 states hold a full of 12,331 atomic warheads. Russia has the most.
Weapons are 1 of the most powerful and dangerous tools that humanity has always created. Its past dates back to the 1940s, erstwhile as a consequence of investigation on atomic energy scientists discovered how to release immense amounts of energy by splitting an atom.
During the implementation of the “Manhattan” task led by Robert Oppenheimer, it was possible to make Nuclear weapons. In 1945, the United States dropped 2 atomic bombs on nipponese cities: Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending the Pacific War and simultaneously contributing to the end of planet War II.
Global atomic Weapons Map: Who owns the most?
According to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) estimates of early 2025, specified weapons are held by nine countries in the world. On 12 331 atomic warheads, about 9.6,000 are in military supplies ready for usage by the armed forces.
Almost all this possible is concentrated in 2 countries – The United States and Russia share about 88% of all warheads and 84 percent of those that are operationally available.
Current data below (as of early 2025):
- Russia – has about 4299 warheads in military stocks, and the full arsenal (including decommissioned but inactive existing warheads) is 5449 units. It's the biggest supply in the world.
- United States – have 3700 heads in military stocks and additionally 1577 withdrawn heads, which gives the full stock estimated at 5277 pieces.
- China – they are rapidly developing their arsenal, now reaching the level of 600 heads.
- France – has 290 heads, which is unchangeable and unchanged for years.
- United Kingdom – estimated to have 225 heads. Although the country had previously declared transparency, it has not published detailed data since 2021.
- India – have 180 heads, and their stocks show a increasing trend.
- Pakistan – presently has 170 warheads and as India develops its atomic program.
- North Korea – the estimated supply is 50 heads, although details stay classified.
It should be noted that Israel officially does not confirm possession of atomic weaponsHowever, according to FAS, his secret arsenal may contain about 90 heads.
The rule of deterrence and ‘nuclear triple’
Nuclear weapons are present mainly treated as a deterrent tool, not a direct use. The threat of its usage can be adequate a deterrent, since the effects of atomic attack are so catastrophic that even possible aggressors gotta face an equally destructive response.
The United States and Russia usage so-called. nuclear tripod, i.e. a strategy based on 3 types of media:
- land rocket silos,
- strategic bombers,
- submarines (SSBN).
Each of these media provides a atomic consequence even in the event of an attack on part of the infrastructure. This combination guarantees alleged sustainable deterrence – even if 1 of the cells (e.g. a rocket silo) is destroyed, the others are inactive capable of action.
== sync, corrected by elderman ==
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