In this article, we are going to look at 5 countries with most nuclear weapons in the world. If you want to read more about the countries with most nuclear weapons in the world and check out our detailed analysis of the global defense industry, you can go to 10 Countries with Most Nuclear Weapons in the World.
5. United Kingdom
Nuclear Warheads: 225
The United Kingdom started a nuclear weapons program during World War II, and in 1952, it became the third nuclear weapons state in the world. With an estimated 225 nuclear warheads, the UK ranks among the top 5 countries with most nuclear weapons in the world. However, only 120 of the total nuclear warheads are deployed with operational forces. The UK is also one of the four nations that have nuclear warheads on high alert, ready to be used on short notice. The other nations are Russia, France, and the US, all of which have more nuclear warheads than the UK.
4. France
Nuclear Warheads: 290
In 1960, France became the fourth country to develop a nuclear weapon independently and is also one of the five “Nuclear Weapons States” under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. According to the most recent reported data, France has an estimated 290 nuclear warheads. 280 of the total 290 nuclear warheads are deployed with operational forces. France is also one of the four nations with nuclear warheads that are on high alert, which means they are ready for use on short notice.
3. China
Nuclear Warheads: 410
With an estimated 410 nuclear warheads, China ranks third on our list of 10 countries with most nuclear weapons in the world. China became the world’s fifth nuclear-weapon state in 1964. According to the most recent reported data, all of China’s 410 nuclear weapons are thought to be non-deployed, which means that the weapons are in storage and not deployed on launchers.
2. United States
Nuclear Warheads: 5,244
The United States is one of the two countries that are estimated to have over 5000 nuclear weapons. According to the latest reported data, the United States has as many as 5,244 nuclear warheads. However, only 1,670 of the total nuclear warheads are deployed with operational forces. The United States is still reducing its nuclear stockpile slowly and 1,536 of the total nuclear warheads of the United States have been retired.
1. Russia
Nuclear Warheads: 5,889
Russia tops our list of 10 countries with most nuclear weapons in the world. Russia inherited the nuclear weapons of the Soviet Union and has the world’s biggest store of nuclear weapons. According to the most recent reported data, Russia is the biggest nuclear superpower with an estimated 5,889 nuclear warheads. While around 1,400 of the total nuclear warheads in Russia have been retired, around 1,674 are deployed with operational forces. Some Russian nuclear warheads are also on high alert, which means they are ready for use on short notice.
You can also take a look at 15 Countries with the Highest Number of Military Satellites in Orbit and 11 Best Military Drone Stocks To Invest In.
