By Seyi Babalola
The Israel-Iran conflict is deeply intertwined with concerns over nuclear weapons, primarily due to Israel’s perception of Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat and Iran’s strategic calculations in response to regional power dynamics.
A nuclear weapon is an explosive device that generates destructive power by nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, or a combination of the two.
Israel, widely believed to possess an undeclared nuclear arsenal of approximately 90 warheads, views Iran’s potential acquisition of nuclear weapons as a direct threat to its security and regional military dominance.
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With the ongoing conflict, Daily Sun sheds light on the top seven countries with nuclear weapons, based on estimated stockpiles and strategic significance.
Russia (~5,977 warheads, ~1,458 deployed)
Russia has the world’s greatest nuclear arsenal. Its stockpile contains both strategic and tactical warheads, with a large fraction inherited from the Soviet Union.
The warheads have been deployed on intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers.
Russia’s nuclear strategy is on deterrence and potential first use in existential threats, reflecting geopolitical tensions with NATO and the United States. Modernisation efforts are focused on sophisticated delivery systems such as the Sarmat ICBM and hypersonic missiles.
United States (~5,428 warheads, ~1,644 deployed)
The U.S. maintains the second-largest nuclear arsenal, with warheads deployed on ICBMs, SLBMs, and strategic bombers.
Its nuclear triad is highly advanced, supported by a robust modernisation program costing hundreds of billions.
The U.S. doctrine prioritises deterrence but includes first-strike capabilities. It stations tactical nuclear weapons in NATO countries, enhancing its strategic presence in Europe.
The stockpile is managed under strict transparency via treaties like New START with Russia.
China (~350 warheads, expanding)
China’s nuclear arsenal is quickly expanding, with projections estimating it may triple by 2030. It follows a no-first-use doctrine, focusing on deterrence with a smaller but more contemporary force of ICBMs, SLBMs, and bombers.
Recent advancements include new missile silos and hypersonic technologies, indicating a shift towards a more robust nuclear posture in the face of tensions with the United States and regional competitors such as India.
The exact figures are unknown owing to China’s secrecy.
France (~290 warheads)
France’s nuclear arsenal is centred on deterrence, with warheads primarily for SLBMs on Triomphant-class submarines and air-launched cruise missiles via Rafale fighters.
Its independent nuclear policy, developed outside NATO’s integrated command, emphasises self-reliance. France maintains a “strict sufficiency” approach, keeping a minimal but credible deterrent.
Modernisation focuses on next-generation submarines and missiles to ensure long-term capability.
United Kingdom (~225 warheads)
The UK’s nuclear arsenal is solely submarine-based, with Trident SLBMs carried by Vanguard-class submarines.
Its doctrine is tied to NATO and a close partnership with the U.S., emphasising deterrence and a second-strike capability.
The UK plans to replace its submarines with the Dreadnought-class by the 2030s and has increased its warhead capacity to 260, reflecting concerns about global threats like Russia and China.
Pakistan (~165 warheads)
Pakistan’s nuclear program is driven by its rivalry with India. Its arsenal includes short- and medium-range ballistic missiles and tactical nuclear weapons, designed for potential first-use in a regional conflict.
Lacking a formal nuclear triad, Pakistan relies heavily on land-based systems but is developing sea-based capabilities.
Its opaque program raises concerns about security and proliferation, given regional instability and non-signatory status to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
India (~160 warheads)
India’s nuclear arsenal is part of its deterrence strategy against China and Pakistan. It has a no-first-use policy but maintains a credible minimum deterrent with ballistic missiles (like Agni-V) and a developing sea-based capability via Arihant-class submarines.
India’s arsenal is expanding, with investments in longer-range missiles and a nascent triad. Like Pakistan, India is not an NPT signatory, and its program is shaped by regional security dynamics.
Estimates come from organisations such as the Federation of American Scientists (2023) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
North Korea (20-30 warheads) and Israel (80-90 warheads) have nuclear weapons, although their numbers are uncertain owing to secrecy.
North Korea prioritises regime survival and coercion, whereas Israel’s concealed program acts as a regional deterrence.
Stockpile numbers include both deployed (ready for use) and reserve warheads; exact figures vary due to classification and estimation challenges.
Global nuclear arsenals are shaped by deterrence doctrines, regional rivalries, and modernisation efforts, with ongoing debates about arms control and proliferation risks.