Amidst an unsettling global backdrop, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has sounded the alarm over the accelerated modernization of nuclear arsenals by the world’s nuclear-armed nations. Despite a slight decrease in the total number of nuclear warheads, from 12,121 in January to 9,585 currently in military stockpiles, the number of operational warheads prepared for use has risen, with 2,100 on high alert. This marks a concerning shift towards increased readiness for nuclear conflict. The United States, Russia, and China are at the forefront of this surge, with the US accounting for 80% of the $91 billion spent last year on nuclear weapons. China, in particular, has expanded its nuclear forces more rapidly than any other country, increasing its number of warheads from 410 in January 2023 to 500 in January 2024 and deploying a small number on its missiles for the first time. SIPRI’s reports highlight the stark reality of a world where nuclear deterrence is becoming increasingly central to national security strategies, echoing the Cold War era’s brinkmanship. This rearmament race has been met with international concern, with ICAN Director Melissa Parke branding the expenditure as ‘obscene’ and a misallocation of resources that could otherwise be used to tackle global challenges like hunger. The international community faces a critical juncture as SIPRI’s findings underscore the urgent need for renewed diplomatic efforts to address the proliferation of nuclear weapons and prevent a slide into a new age of nuclear confrontation.
Key points
- The number of operational nuclear warheads has increased to 9,585, with 2,100 on high alert.
- China is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, now possessing 500 warheads.
- The US leads global nuclear spending, accounting for 80% of the $91 billion total last year.
- ICAN condemns the nuclear spending as ‘obscene,’ advocating for disarmament and the adoption of the nuclear ban treaty.
