SIPRI Reports on Global Nuclear Arsenal and Strategic Instability
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released a report indicating that as of January 2026, there are approximately 12,187 nuclear warheads worldwide. The report highlights that Russia and the United States hold about 83% of these warheads. China is noted as rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, contributing to a more unstable strategic environment. The expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026 has further exacerbated these tensions, as arms-control mechanisms have weakened. SIPRI emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between warheads in military stockpiles and those ready for deployment, with about 9,745 warheads in stockpiles and 4,012 deployed.