Who Holds the Nukes? The World’s Nuclear Power in 2025

The 2025 global nuclear landscape underscores a world still dominated by Cold War-era powers but increasingly influenced by emerging nuclear states.

Russia leads the world’s nuclear stockpile with an estimated 4,309 warheads, maintaining the largest and most diversified arsenal, including both strategic and tactical weapons.

The United States follows closely with around 3,700 warheads, reflecting continued modernization efforts and a commitment to nuclear deterrence within NATO frameworks.

China, though far behind the two giants, has expanded rapidly to an estimated 600 warheads—doubling its count in just a few years—driven by new intercontinental ballistic missile programs and a growing submarine-based deterrent.

France and the United Kingdom remain stable middle nuclear powers with 290 and 225 warheads, sustaining long-standing strategic doctrines of minimum deterrence.

In South Asia, India and Pakistan continue a quiet but steady buildup, estimated at 180 and 170 warheads respectively, reflecting their enduring regional rivalry and evolving missile capabilities.

Israel maintains its longstanding policy of nuclear ambiguity with roughly 90 warheads, while North Korea, despite limited testing and production capacity, is believed to hold around 50 nuclear weapons as it seeks leverage on the international stage.