There are currently around 12,500 nuclear weapons in the world, according to the United Nations (UN). And while achieving global nuclear disarmament is one of the United Nations' oldest goals, dating back to 1946, there remains “frustration due to the slow pace of nuclear disarmament.”
This Wednesday (13), the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, said in an interview with the state press that the country is ready to use nuclear weapons if there is a threat to the existence of the Russian state, but that “there has never been such a need” .
But this was not the only relevant development regarding nuclear weapons in recent times.
North Korea, the last country to have developed this type of weapon, passed a law in 2022 declaring itself a state with nuclear weapons, a measure that, according to leader Kim Jong Un, is “irreversible”.
Kim promised that the country would “never give up” its nuclear weapons, adding that there could be no negotiations on denuclearization, North Korean state media reported.
In February 2022, shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin ordered his country's deterrence forces, which include nuclear weapons, to go on full alert.
And in October 2021, in a drastic change compared to Donald Trump's administration, Joe Biden's administration revealed the numbers of his country's nuclear arsenal.
The United States has 3,750 nuclear warheads in its arsenal and 2 thousands are waiting to be dismantled, according to a statement from the State Department.
Find out how many nuclear weapons countries have
Data on nuclear reserves varies from one source to another. The following information comes from Nuclear Threat Initiative and list the countries with the highest number of confirmed nuclear weapons.
1st – Russia
Russia has 1,822 warheads deployed and 521 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and warheads intended for heavy bombers.
If warheads not deployed, stored or awaiting dismantlement are also counted, the total arsenal would reach 5,580 weapons .
2nd – United States
The USA has 1,679 deployed warheads . If warheads not deployed, stored or awaiting dismantlement are also counted, the total arsenal would reach 5,328 weapons .
3rd – China
China has 500 warheads and approximately 134 nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
4th – France
France has approximately 290 nuclear warheads .
5th – United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has approximately 225 nuclear warheads .
6th – Pakistan
Pakistan has about 170 nuclear warheads .
7th – India
India has approximately 160 nuclear warheads .
Countries with unconfirmed nuclear weapons
Israel
Experts suspect that Israel has about 90 nuclear weapons .
North Korea
North Korea has conducted at least six nuclear tests since 2006.
In 2017, it claimed to have successfully conducted its first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, and is estimated to have between 35 and 65 nuclear warheads .
And in September 2022, North Korea passed a new law declaring itself a nuclear weapons state.
Will
World powers, including the United States, want to halt Iran's nuclear program to prevent it from developing a nuclear bomb.
After 20 months of negotiations, on July 14, 2015, negotiators finalized a historic nuclear deal between Iran, the United States and five other countries.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action states that “Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will it seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons.”
The measure, which has a term of 15 years, requires the country to reduce its centrifuges by two-thirds. It also prohibits enrichment at important facilities.
In return, the country would get relief from economic sanctions and permission to continue its peaceful nuclear program.
On May 8, 2018, then-President Donald Trump announced that the United States would officially withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.
Country that has the capacity to manufacture nuclear weapons
Japan
On November 30, 2006, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso stated that Japan had the knowledge and capability to produce nuclear weapons but had no plans to do so.
Countries that have abandoned nuclear weapons or similar programs
Belarus
Belarus still has a civilian nuclear research program.
Kazakhstan
Although it inherited nuclear warheads after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan transferred the inventory to Russia.
Ukraine
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Ukraine had the third largest arsenal of nuclear weapons. The devices were returned to Russia.
South Africa
After developing nuclear weapons in the 1970s, the country halted its program and became a nuclear-free state in 1991.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
