Nuclear weapons: Who has what at a glance

Abstract

The global nuclear landscape reflects a complex history of proliferation and arms control efforts. Following the initial U.S. nuclear monopoly, the technology spread to Russia, the UK, France, and China. In response, the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) were established to curb further expansion. However, India, Israel, and Pakistan never joined the NPT and maintain nuclear arsenals, while North Korea withdrew. Other states, including Iraq, Iran, and Libya, have pursued or been suspected of secret nuclear activities, though overall nonproliferation successes have outpaced failures. The five NPT-recognized nuclear-weapon states—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—collectively possess approximately 12,100 warheads as of March 2024. The U.S. and Russia, despite historical reductions through treaties like New START, are modernizing their arsenals. China is rapidly expanding its nuclear forces. North Korea continues its nuclear pursuits, and Iran remains a proliferation concern, having accumulated enriched uranium to levels potentially suitable for weapons and recently indicating a possible shift in nuclear doctrine. Several countries also previously held or pursued nuclear weapons programs but subsequently dismantled them or returned weapons. – AI-generated abstract.